Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has filed a lawsuit against renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, alleging defamation over claims made in his book, The President Ghana Never Got.

The company contends that statements made in Chapter 28, titled “The Mother of All Scandals,” are defamatory and were deliberately crafted to damage its reputation.

According to a writ of summons filed at the High Court of General Jurisdiction and seen by GhanaWeb, SML accuses Manasseh of misrepresenting facts related to its contract with the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“The Plaintiff avers that, notwithstanding the pending defamation suit, the Defendant, in Chapter 28 of his book, discusses the Plaintiff’s contract with the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a chapter titled 'The Mother of All Scandals'. The Plaintiff says that in Chapter 28, the Defendant makes several non-factual statements that tarnish the Plaintiff’s reputation and have caused right-thinking members of society to shun the Plaintiff,” the court document reads.

SML claims that Manasseh referred to its agreement with the government as “the biggest scam” and labeled the deal as “shady” while branding the entire situation “the SML scandal.”

The journalist is also alleged to have dismissed the company’s statements and projections as “falsehoods” and “a lie”, while describing the agreement as “needless” and “redundant.”

The company argues that these statements have caused significant reputational harm, leading to public disapproval and the loss of potential business deals in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.

SML is seeking several remedies from the court, including:

GH¢1,000,000 in general damages for defamation.

GH¢20,000,000 in exemplary damages for what it describes as malicious reporting.

A perpetual injunction to prevent Manasseh from making further defamatory claims about the company.

A public retraction and apology specifically for statements made in Chapter 28 of his book.

Any other reliefs the court deems appropriate.

SMLL sues Manasseh over 'The President Ghana never had' claimDownload