Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has filed a libel suit at the High Court in Accra against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Samuel Adu Gyamfi, popularly known as Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited.

The suit follows alleged defamatory remarks made by Sammy Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of JoyNews’ Newsfile, which was hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.

According to the Statement of Claim, Afenyo-Markin, who describes himself as a legal practitioner, prominent public figure, fourth-term Member of Parliament and former Majority Leader, says he has built a reputation for integrity, honesty, professionalism and competence in his legal and public career.

He also states that he is a traditional leader in the Effutu Traditional Area and has served as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The suit identifies Sammy Gyamfi as the first defendant and Multimedia Group Limited, operators of Joy 99.7 FM and JoyNews TV, as the second defendant.

Alleged “extortionist” remarks

Afenyo-Markin’s case centres on comments allegedly made by Sammy Gyamfi during a discussion about GoldBod’s financial performance and criticism surrounding the institution.

The plaintiff claims that, in response to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and liabilities, Sammy Gyamfi launched what the suit describes as an “unscathing attack” on him and referred to him as an “extortionist.”

The Statement of Claim says Sammy Gyamfi further justified the description by indicating that he had appeared on Newsfile many times and had held numerous press conferences on political issues but had never previously used the word “extortion” against any of his critics.

The plaintiff also claims that Sammy Gyamfi questioned why Afenyo-Markin had not challenged or threatened to sue him over his previous statements.

The court documents further quote Sammy Gyamfi as saying that there were underlying issues between him and Afenyo-Markin which the public did not know about.

The suit also alleges that Sammy Gyamfi challenged Afenyo-Markin and his supporters to debate the matter, describing himself as a “consummate democrat” who was prepared to engage in debate.

When the host sought clarification on whether Sammy Gyamfi was indeed calling the Minority Leader an “extortionist”, the Statement of Claim says he responded affirmatively and maintained that Afenyo-Markin could not challenge him because he knew what had been said was true.

The plaintiff further cites remarks in which Sammy Gyamfi allegedly encouraged the host, a lawyer, to represent Afenyo-Markin and sue him so that he could substantiate the allegation.

The suit also quotes Sammy Gyamfi as saying the statement was not an insult but that he was “speaking about what has happened and he knows.”

Afenyo-Markin denies extortion allegation

Afenyo-Markin strongly denies the allegations, describing the statements as false and defamatory.

He argues that the categorical description of him as an “extortionist”, without identifying when, where or from whom he allegedly extorted anything, amounts to defamation.

The plaintiff further argues that Sammy Gyamfi’s reference to unspecified “underlying issues” did not provide a legitimate basis for the allegation.

According to the Statement of Claim, the plaintiff believes the remarks were made with knowledge that they were defamatory and without proof to support them.

He also rejects the suggestion that his failure to immediately respond to previous criticisms could be interpreted as an admission that the allegations were true.

Alleged implications of the publication

The suit states that people who heard or watched the broadcast would have understood the allegations to mean that Afenyo-Markin is an extortionist and habitually engages in extortion.

The plaintiff further says the statements created the impression that he uses his political position and influence to exert improper pressure on public institutions and officials, engages in secret or behind-the-scenes negotiations for improper purposes, and improperly intervenes in the affairs of public institutions.

He also argues that the remarks portrayed him as someone who abuses the influence associated with his position and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the honesty and integrity expected of a legal practitioner and senior public official.

Claims of malicious publication

Afenyo-Markin alleges that the statements were published maliciously.

Among the particulars of malice cited in the Statement of Claim are the alleged deliberate use of the word “extortionist” in connection with his criticism of financial losses involving GoldBod, the repetition of the allegation after the host questioned Sammy Gyamfi about it, and the alleged assertion that Sammy Gyamfi possessed evidence to support his claims.

The plaintiff also cites the alleged challenge to him to “dare” Sammy Gyamfi and argues that the statements were presented as facts rather than opinions.

He maintains that the publication was made in circumstances calculated to expose him to public contempt, ridicule, disrepute and opprobrium.

Social media circulation

The plaintiff says the alleged defamatory statements were broadcast on JoyNews TV during Newsfile and were subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.

According to the suit, recordings of the programme were watched, listened to, downloaded, shared and otherwise accessed by members of the public.

Afenyo-Markin therefore argues that the publication reached a substantial audience and continues to cause damage to his reputation.

He says the allegation is particularly serious because of his position as a legal practitioner and senior political figure.

The plaintiff claims that the publication has exposed him to hatred, ridicule, contempt and public disapproval while creating a false impression that he uses his political influence to extort or improperly negotiate with public officials.

Multimedia Group’s involvement

The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant.

Afenyo-Markin argues that Multimedia, through its JoyNews platform, published or facilitated the publication of the alleged defamatory statements to its audience.

He further alleges that the second defendant, despite being aware of the legal consequences of the statements, did not stop Sammy Gyamfi from making the remarks or deactivate his microphone.

The plaintiff says the programme therefore became a medium through which the alleged defamatory statements were disseminated to a wide audience.

Reliefs sought

Afenyo-Markin is seeking general damages for libel, aggravated damages and exemplary damages against the defendants.

He is also asking the High Court to order Sammy Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction of the alleged defamatory statements.

He wants the defendants to issue a public apology and publish or broadcast the retraction and apology with substantially the same prominence and reach as the original publication.

The plaintiff is specifically seeking an order requiring the retraction and apology to be broadcast on JoyNews and published on the electronic and social media platforms through which the alleged defamatory material was disseminated.

He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, assigns and anyone acting under their authority from republishing the alleged defamatory words or statements with the same or substantially similar meaning.

In addition, Afenyo-Markin is claiming GH¢15 million in compensation, together with costs, including legal costs.

He has also asked the court to grant any further or other reliefs it considers appropriate.

The writ commands the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after service, inclusive of the day of service, failing which judgment may be entered in their absence.

The suit was filed through lawyer F. Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers in West Legon, Accra.

WRIT OF SUMMONS ( OSAHENE ALEXANDER AFENYO-MARKIN

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has begun assessing allegations of extortion and related conduct involving the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

The allegations were publicly made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, against the Minority Leader.

In a public notice dated Monday, August 24, 2026, the OSP said it had taken note of the allegations and acknowledged petitions submitted in connection with the matter.

The anti-corruption agency disclosed that it had received a joint petition from two individuals, in addition to two separate petitions submitted by other persons regarding the allegations.

The OSP said its immediate task is to assess the nature of the allegations and determine whether the matter falls within its statutory mandate.

It will also decide whether the circumstances warrant further investigative action.

“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the notice stated.

The OSP’s announcement does not mean that Afenyo-Markin has been found guilty of extortion or that a formal investigation has already commenced. The office is first determining whether the allegations fall within its jurisdiction and whether there are grounds for further action.

The allegations form part of an increasingly public dispute between Afenyo-Markin and Sammy Gyamfi, with the GoldBod CEO accusing the Minority Leader of extortion.

Afenyo-Markin has rejected the allegations and has indicated his willingness to submit himself to any investigation by the relevant state institutions. He has also taken steps toward legal action over the claims.

The OSP’s assessment could determine whether the matter proceeds to a formal investigation or whether no further action is required.

Minority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin has commenced legal action against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over comments he says have damaged his reputation.

Mr Afenyo-Markin is demanding GH¢15 million in damages in a defamation suit arising from remarks allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, a current affairs programme hosted by journalist Samson Lardy Anyenini.

According to the writ of summons and statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi referred to the Minority Leader as an “extortionist” during the broadcast.

Mr Afenyo-Markin argues that the description was false, defamatory and capable of causing serious harm to his standing as a lawyer, politician and serving Member of Parliament.

He maintains that the alleged statement conveyed several damaging meanings, including that he was someone who habitually engaged in extortion, exploited his political position to exert undue pressure on public institutions and improperly used the influence associated with his office.

The plaintiff further contends that the alleged remarks were published maliciously and subjected him to hatred, ridicule, contempt and public disapproval.

In addition to the GH¢15 million claim, Mr Afenyo-Markin is asking the court to award general damages for libel, aggravated damages and exemplary damages against the defendants.

He is also seeking an order compelling Mr Gyamfi and Multimedia Group to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction of the alleged defamatory comments.

The Minority Leader wants the defendants to accompany the retraction with a public apology, with both the apology and correction receiving substantially the same level of prominence and reach as the original broadcast.

Mr Afenyo-Markin is further asking the court to grant a perpetual injunction preventing the defendants from repeating or republishing the statements he considers defamatory.

The suit also includes a claim for costs and legal expenses incurred in pursuing the case.

The legal action comes after a public disagreement between Mr Afenyo-Markin and Mr Gyamfi linked to allegations surrounding Ghana’s domestic gold purchasing programme.

The case now places the disputed comments before the courts, with Mr Afenyo-Markin seeking financial compensation, a formal retraction and restrictions against any further publication of the alleged statements.

Source: NEWS ALERT GH

President John Dramani Mahama’s intervention in the Adamus Resources Limited mining lease dispute has been described as a test case for Ghana’s ability to enforce mining regulations while protecting indigenous participation in large-scale mining.

An analysis by the Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub says the President’s decision represents an attempt to reset Ghana’s mining governance by ensuring that regulatory breaches are addressed without destroying one of the country’s few Ghanaian-owned large-scale mining companies.

The dispute began on April 26, 2026, when the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, acting on a recommendation from the Minerals Commission, revoked three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited at Akango, Salman and Nkroful in the Ellembelle District.

The revocation was based on several alleged breaches of Ghana’s mining laws and regulatory requirements.

According to the Minerals Commission, the breaches included the alleged illegal sub-contracting of mineral rights without ministerial approval, contrary to Section 14(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

Adamus was also accused of mining outside approved areas without an Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines, as well as operating without the required permits from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Forestry Commission.

Other concerns included the alleged use of foreign nationals in illegal small-scale mining activities on the company’s large-scale concession.

Financial obligations were also cited in the revocation. The company was reported to owe about US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GH¢86.8 million in royalties and GH¢290.5 million in tax arrears to the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The analysis further cited the transfer of about US$224 million to related offshore entities between 2020 and 2024 as part of the financial concerns surrounding the company.

The revocation was subsequently upheld by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on August 7, 2026.

The decision received support from the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, led by Awulae Blay IX, which reportedly cited years of environmental degradation and inadequate local development linked to mining activities in the area.

Residents of Akango, Salman and Nkroful, however, appealed to President Mahama, warning that the closure of the company could lead to significant job losses and economic difficulties in the affected communities.

On August 21, 2026, President Mahama met stakeholders at the Presidency and granted Adamus a conditional reprieve.

Under the arrangement, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and Adamus Resources are expected to jointly develop and submit a 12-month turnaround plan within two weeks.

The plan is expected to provide a roadmap for addressing the regulatory, financial and operational challenges facing the company.

A six-member joint management team will also be established, comprising three representatives from Adamus and three representatives from the government.

The team will supervise the implementation of the turnaround programme and monitor the company’s progress.

The President has also directed that the company address its outstanding financial obligations through a comprehensive debt settlement programme covering arrears owed to the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, banks and suppliers.

In addition, Adamus is expected to attract fresh capital through new equity partners to restore its financial position and support the long-term sustainability of its operations.

The Presidency described Adamus as one of Ghana’s few operating indigenous large-scale mines.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has welcomed the intervention, arguing that it could help protect investor confidence and safeguard jobs associated with the company.

The Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub argues that the Adamus case reflects what it describes as a possible “enforce but don’t destroy” approach to mining regulation under President Mahama’s administration.

According to the organisation, the intervention signals that the government intends to uphold mining laws and its anti-galamsey agenda while using corrective regulatory measures where possible instead of automatically resorting to closure.

It says the case could therefore become an important test of whether the state can combine strict enforcement with support for Ghanaian participation in the ownership and operation of large-scale mines.

The intelligence brief also raises concerns about the level of Ghanaian ownership in Ghana’s large-scale mining industry.

It notes that although Ghana produces gold worth more than US$7 billion annually, less than 10 per cent of large-scale production is controlled by Ghanaian-owned companies.

Adamus Resources, owned by Ghanaian businesswoman Angela List, is identified as one of the few indigenous companies operating in the large-scale mining space.

Radiant argues that allowing Adamus to collapse could reinforce concerns that Ghana’s local content policy benefits mainly small-scale miners and service providers rather than Ghanaian companies seeking to own and operate large-scale mines.

The organisation therefore raises several questions about the circumstances surrounding the dispute.

These include why the alleged regulatory and financial breaches accumulated between 2020 and 2024 without earlier intervention, why a Ghanaian-owned mining company has struggled to secure capital despite the Minerals Income Investment Fund holding significant royalty revenues, and whether prospective new equity partners will be genuine Ghanaian investors or entities acting as fronts for foreign interests.

Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub says the Adamus intervention should not be treated as an isolated case but should form the basis of a wider policy for increasing Ghanaian ownership in the minerals sector.

The organisation is calling on the Minerals Income Investment Fund to move beyond royalty collection towards strategic co-ownership by taking equity stakes of between 20 and 30 percent in viable indigenous mining companies facing financial difficulties.

It cites models in countries such as Botswana and Zambia as examples Ghana could study.

It is also proposing that at least 30 percent of new large-scale mining concessions and expired leases be reserved for Ghanaian-owned consortia working with proven technical partners.

Another recommendation is the establishment of an Indigenous Mining Turnaround Facility involving the Minerals Commission, Ghana Chamber of Mines and Development Bank Ghana.

The proposed facility would provide technical assistance and financial restructuring support to distressed Ghanaian-owned mining companies.

Radiant is further calling for a binding community compact under the six-member joint management arrangement.

Such a compact, it says, should include measurable targets for local employment, including a minimum of 60 percent recruitment from mining-affected communities, as well as commitments to scholarships and environmental restoration.

The organisation also wants the Presidency to disclose the identities and beneficial owners of any new equity investors brought into Adamus to prevent what it describes as “galamsey financiers” from returning through indirect ownership structures.

Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub says the outcome of the 12-month turnaround programme will have implications beyond Adamus Resources.

If the intervention succeeds, it could provide a blueprint for restructuring other struggling indigenous mining companies while keeping them under Ghanaian ownership.

However, if the programme fails, the organisation believes it could strengthen the perception that Ghanaian-owned companies are unable to successfully manage large-scale mineral extraction.

The organisation argues that the broader objective should be to build a strong indigenous mining industry made up of companies that operate legally, pay taxes, protect the environment and contribute meaningfully to communities.

It says the central question facing the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources should therefore move beyond whether Adamus should be punished to how Ghana can create more successful indigenous large-scale mining companies.

Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub concludes that the Adamus case is therefore not only about the survival of one mining company but also about the future of Ghanaian ownership, accountability and participation in the country’s multi-billion-dollar mining industry.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is targeting at least 70 percent local production of medicines consumed in the country under a new five-year plan aimed at strengthening the nation’s health sovereignty.

The President said the initiative is intended to reverse Ghana’s current dependence on imported medicines, with about 70 percent of medicines consumed within the country’s health system currently sourced from abroad.

President Mahama made the disclosure at the 28th Annual Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) in Accra.

He said Ghana’s drive for health sovereignty would not mean isolation but would focus on building the capacity to meet the healthcare needs of the population through local expertise, production and mutually beneficial international partnerships.

“Health sovereignty does not mean isolation; it is the capacity to meet our people’s needs confidently, competently, and through mutually respectful partnerships,” he said.

President Mahama said the country must invest in its health workforce, mobilise sustainable financing, expand local production of medicines, vaccines and health technologies, and build reliable health data systems.

“We’ve come up with a five-year plan to make sure that we reverse that, and that at least 70% of the medicines we consume must be produced locally in Ghana,” he stated.

The President also underscored the importance of strong governance, ethics and effective regulation in achieving the objective.

He said strong, independent and adequately resourced regulatory institutions would be essential to ensuring that locally produced medicines and health technologies meet required standards and safeguard public health.

President Mahama further called on African countries to strengthen domestic health systems and production capacity while maintaining partnerships that support knowledge, technology and resource sharing.

He said greater investment in local pharmaceutical production would help Africa build more resilient health systems and improve the continent’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.