The political landscape in Ghana has been stirred by a defamation lawsuit filed by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip, against his colleague, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South. The crux of the matter lies in a social media post published by Rev. Ntim Fordjour on May 8, 2025, on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In the post, Rev. Ntim Fordjour alleged that Mr. Dafeamekpor, during his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, was involved in receiving a bribe of GH¢360,000 from Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former head of the National Signals Bureau (NSB). This alleged payment was purportedly made to influence the passage of a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) related to the NSB.
The backdrop to this accusation involves Adu-Boahene, who is currently facing charges of embezzling GH¢49.1 million. As part of his defense, Adu-Boahene has claimed that he disbursed a total of GH¢1.269 million to members of two parliamentary committees – the Defence and Interior Committee and the Subsidiary Legislation Committee. He alleges that GH¢960,000 was paid to the Defence and Interior Committee and GH¢309,000 to the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, characterizing these payments as allowances associated with the approval of the NSB Act and its corresponding L.I. This revelation has sparked a controversy, with Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s post directly implicating Mr. Dafeamekpor in the alleged acceptance of a portion of these funds.
Mr. Dafeamekpor responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against Rev. Ntim Fordjour, claiming that the social media post had significantly tarnished his reputation. He asserts that the allegations are false and have caused him considerable damage, prompting him to seek legal redress. This lawsuit has further intensified the political tension surrounding the alleged financial impropriety concerning the NSB Act and its L.I. The legal battle between the two MPs is set to unfold, with its outcome potentially having significant ramifications for both individuals and the broader political landscape.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour has publicly acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit through media reports but stated that, as of May 16, 2025, he had not yet been formally served with the court documents. In a press statement released on the same day, he expressed his readiness to engage with the legal proceedings and defend himself against the accusations. He maintains that the lawsuit is without merit and that he will demonstrate this in court. His statement indicates a willingness to confront the allegations head-on and provide evidence to support his claims.
The unfolding case highlights the increasing role of social media in political discourse and the potential legal consequences of online pronouncements. The allegations of bribery and embezzlement raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the legislative process. The legal battle between the two MPs will likely bring these issues to the forefront, forcing a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding the passage of the NSB Act and its L.I. The court proceedings will also offer an opportunity to assess the evidence presented by both sides and determine the veracity of the accusations against Mr. Dafeamekpor and the broader implications for parliamentary conduct.
The courtroom is now set to become the arena for this political and legal showdown. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, influencing public perception of both MPs and potentially shaping future legislative practices. The legal arguments and evidence presented will be closely scrutinized by the public and legal experts alike. The case represents a significant test of the legal system’s ability to address alleged misconduct within the political sphere and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. The final judgment will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the reputations of those involved and the ongoing debate surrounding the conduct of parliamentary affairs.
