This legal dispute centers around allegations of defamation made by social media personality Afia Schwarzenegger against Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board. Gyamfi has initiated legal proceedings against Schwarzenegger, seeking substantial damages and a public apology for statements she made on the social media platform TikTok. The crux of the allegations revolves around claims of infidelity and extravagant spending by Gyamfi, specifically referencing the purchase of cars for female students at the University of Ghana, Legon. These accusations, made in the Asante Twi language, were directed at Gyamfi’s wife and publicly disseminated through Schwarzenegger’s TikTok account.
Gyamfi, represented by lawyer Saani Mahmoud Abdul-Rasheed, contends that the statements are entirely false, malicious, and intentionally designed to damage his reputation. He argues that the allegations have caused significant harm to his personal and professional life, impacting his standing in the community and potentially jeopardizing his career. The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court, emphasizes the calculated nature of Schwarzenegger’s actions, asserting that her statements were intended to inflict maximum damage on Gyamfi’s public image. The timing and public nature of the accusations contribute to the perceived malicious intent behind them.
The legal action taken by Gyamfi seeks a multi-pronged remedy for the alleged defamation. First, he seeks a legal declaration from the court that the published statements constitute defamation, formally recognizing the harm inflicted upon his reputation. Secondly, he is demanding GHS10 million in exemplary damages, a substantial sum intended to reflect the severity of the alleged defamation and to deter similar behavior in the future. This amount signifies the seriousness with which Gyamfi views the damage caused by Schwarzenegger’s statements.
Furthermore, Gyamfi is pursuing a perpetual injunction against Schwarzenegger, aiming to prevent her from making further defamatory remarks about him. This measure seeks to protect him from continued reputational harm and harassment. He also insists on a public retraction and apology from Schwarzenegger, demonstrating a commitment to restoring his public image and setting the record straight. The requested apology is particularly noteworthy, as it demands publication on the front and back pages of the Daily Graphic, a prominent Ghanaian newspaper, for three consecutive editions.
The requirement for publication in the Daily Graphic highlights Gyamfi’s desire for widespread dissemination of the retraction and apology, mirroring the extensive reach of the initial defamatory statements. Furthermore, he demands that the apology be shared across various social media platforms where the original allegations were made, ensuring that the corrective message reaches the same audience that was exposed to the defamatory content. This comprehensive approach to the apology underscores Gyamfi’s commitment to fully addressing the damage caused by Schwarzenegger’s accusations.
The lawsuit also presents a procedural challenge, as Schwarzenegger currently resides in the United States. To address this, Gyamfi’s legal team secured permission from the court to serve the defendant outside Ghana, ensuring that the legal process can proceed despite the geographical distance. This demonstrates the determination of Gyamfi to pursue the case and hold Schwarzenegger accountable for her actions, regardless of her current location. The court’s granting of leave to serve outside Ghana is a significant step in allowing the legal proceedings to progress and ensuring that Schwarzenegger is formally notified of the lawsuit against her. This international dimension adds complexity to the case and highlights the global reach of online defamation in the modern age.
