Kasoa: The Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu, has initiated a GHS10 million defamation lawsuit against Obaatanpa FM and its morning show host, Kofi Kyei Baffour. The lawsuit arises from allegations made against him during a live radio programme.
According to Ghana Web, Prof. Asiedu claims that the presenter accused him of instigating acts of violence within the NDC, especially in the Awutu Senya East Constituency and the broader Central Region. He argues that these allegations are false and malicious, aimed at harming his reputation. Additionally, Prof. Asiedu suggests that members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are attempting to damage his image through media channels.
Prof. Asiedu has denied reports of assaulting any staff member at Obaatanpa FM, clarifying that his visit to the station was to seek clarification on what he termed as continuous insults and defamatory remarks made against him during live broadcasts. The lawsuit demands GHS10 million in damages and an immediate public apology and retraction from both the management of Obaatanpa FM and the programme host.
Discussing the ongoing conflict between the Awutu Senya East NDC Constituency Chairman and the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Prof. Asiedu stated that he is not personally involved in the matter. He noted that the dispute existed before his tenure as Central Regional Chairman and that he has been working towards fostering peace and unity within the party.
Prof. Asiedu also accused some Obaatanpa FM staff members of allegedly inciting tension and violence in Kasoa and nearby communities through their broadcasts. He revealed that the NDC, along with the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), has petitioned the National Communications Authority (NCA) to investigate the station's programmes for potentially inflammatory content.
The management of Obaatanpa FM and Kofi Kyei Baffour have yet to publicly address the allegations or the lawsuit.