Former Energy and Education Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as “Napo,” has filed a defamation lawsuit against two media outlets, seeking GHC20 million in damages over allegations that he was involved in a scheme to sabotage electricity supply in parts of the Ashanti Region.
The suit, filed through Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, also names a radio and television host, Salifu Maase (also known as Mugabe Maase), as a defendant.
The plaintiff alleges that during a programme titled “Inside Politics,” broadcast on TV XYZ and Power 97.9 FM, the host played an audio recording from an anonymous source which accused him of paying District Engineers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region to deliberately disrupt power supply.
Court filings state that the recording contained claims that several ECG district engineers and political figures allegedly met and received payments, and that instructions were given to switch off electricity in parts of the region.
The plaintiff contends that the allegations are false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation, adding that they portray him as engaging in unlawful conduct and undermining national interest.
He further argues that the publication has harmed his public image, which he built through years of public service, including recognition from institutions such as the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
Reliefs sought
According to court documents, Napo is asking for a declaration that the statements broadcast on TV XYZ and Power 97.9 FM on 4 May 2026 are defamatory, alongside an order compelling an unqualified retraction and apology to be published with equal prominence within seven days of judgment.
He is also seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants and their agents from further publishing what he describes as defamatory material, as well as an order preventing the media platforms from being used to disseminate false and malicious claims about him.
The suit demands costs, including legal fees, and any other reliefs the court may deem appropriate.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a stern warning that the government will deal rigorously with any individual or group attempting to sabotage the country’s power supply systems.
Speaking to ECG officials during his tour of project sites in the Ashanti Region on Friday, Dr. Jinapor stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring constant power supply. He emphasized that no one would be allowed to derail that effort.
“So please give me your best and we will support you in any way we can, but let nobody sabotage the system. Don’t take me there, it will be very rough for both of us,” the minister said.
He noted that the ministry is ready to provide full support to industry players, particularly ECG, but will demand accountability.
“I know you can deliver and so I urge you to deliver,” he told ECG officials.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
