Radio Tamale, Two Others Sued for Defamation, Plaintiff Demands GH₵1.5 Million in Damages
A former Secretary of the Bamvim Chief Palace has dragged the Chief of Manguli, Alhassan Abdul-Rahman, Skojig Multi-Media Company Limited, owners of Radio Tamale 91.7FM, and a radio presenter, Alhassan D. Baba, to the High Court, Tamale, over what he describes as defamatory statements made against him.
The suit, filed at the Commercial Division of the High Court, seeks GH₵1.5 million in general damages for libel, exemplary damages, a perpetual injunction, and an unqualified retraction and apology with equal prominence to the plaintiff, Mr Mohammed Abdulai, a civil servant.
According to the Statement of Claim, the plaintiff, who resides at Bamvim in Tamale, is an Internal Audit Officer with the Local Government Service of Ghana, a businessman, and a royal of the Bamvim Traditional Area.
He further states that he previously served as Secretary to the late Bamvim Chief and as Coordinator of the Bamvim Customary Land Secretariat for over 13 years, during which period he claims to have built a reputation for integrity and trustworthiness.
The plaintiff alleges that on December 8, 2025, the Manguli Chief convened a press conference at his palace, which was attended and covered by various media houses, including Radio Tamale 91.7FM.
According to court documents, the statements allegedly made in the Dagbani language at said presser were recorded, broadcast on radio, and later circulated on social media platforms.
Mr. Abdulai contends that the statements, when translated into English, portrayed him as dishonest, corrupt, divisive, and a threat to peace within the Bamvim Traditional Area.
He further alleges that the publications accused him of illegally altering village names, instigating conflicts, demarcating and selling lands for personal gain, and disrespecting traditional authority, including the late Bamvim Chief.
The plaintiff maintains that the allegations are false, malicious, and reckless, and were published without verification. He also claims that requests for a retraction and correction were made to the third defendant, the radio presenter, but were allegedly refused.
By reason of the publications, the plaintiff says he has suffered serious damage to his reputation, emotional distress, and public ridicule, and fears that the defendants may continue to publish similar statements unless restrained by the court.
The writ, issued on December 15, 2025, commands the defendants to enter appearance within eight days of service, failing which judgment may be entered against them in their absence.
The defendants have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
