Deputy IGP COP Tetteh Yohuno drags Captain Smart, Media General to court over false publication

Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP) COP Tetteh Yohuno has filed a lawsuit against popular journalist Blessed Godsbrain Smart, also known as Captain Smart, and Media General Limited.

The lawsuit stems from alleged defamatory statements made by Captain Smart on his Onua Maakye programme, broadcast on Onua FM and Onua TV.

The case, filed at the High Court of Justice in Accra, follows comments made by Captain Smart on December 27, 2024, which were broadcast and published on the second defendant’s platforms, including social media.

According to the claim, Captain Smart accused COP Yohuno of being involved in political maneuverings and unlawful activities aimed at destabilizing Ghana’s political structure.

In the statement of claim, COP Yohuno asserts that Captain Smart falsely suggested that the Deputy IGP was involved in meetings for his own political appointment and that his promotion was based on bribery and political influence.

“The first Defendant stated that the Plaintiff was visiting homes of NDC officials and claiming to be a member of the said party when in fact the Plaintiff possessed a New Patriotic Party (NPP) card and paid dues,” the court document reads.

The court filing includes claims that Captain Smart accused COP Yohuno of engaging in corrupt activities to secure his promotion within the Ghana Police Service.

“The first Defendant also suggested that the Plaintiff had been paying monies to influence his [the Plaintiff’s] appointment to the position of IGP,” the plaintiff’s statement asserts.

The suit demands several remedies, including a public retraction of the statements and an unqualified apology.

The plaintiff has requested that Captain Smart and Media General publish three separate apologies across Onua TV, Onua FM, and three additional radio announcements on the platform.

COP Yohuno is also seeking general damages for defamation and an injunction to prevent any further defamatory remarks.

“Since the publications the subject of the instant suit, the Plaintiff has received several calls and messages from professional colleagues, relatives, who have expressed concern and fear for the Plaintiff as a result of the defamatory statements,” the statement reads.

COP Yohuno has stated that these false and malicious allegations have significantly damaged his reputation both professionally and personally.

As part of his claim, he seeks aggravated damages, citing the intent to tarnish his hard-earned public image as a respected police officer and professional.

“These false publications have injured Plaintiff’s image and have brought his hard-won reputation as a consummate professional policeman into ridicule and contempt,” the statement of claim asserts.