Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that he is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), demanding a staggering GHS 21 million in damages.
The legal action stems from allegations made in Awuni’s latest book, The President Ghana Never Got, which exposed what he describes as questionable dealings involving SML, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Finance.
According to Awuni, he was taken aback when he discovered that the lawsuit had been widely publicized in what appeared to be a coordinated media effort.
“I woke up on Saturday morning to what appeared like a well-coordinated publication by a section of Ghanaian media of a defamation suit filed against me by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). Today, I’m told almost all the newspapers in Ghana have the story of the SML suit on their front pages.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
The lawsuit follows Awuni’s investigative reports, which led President Akufo-Addo to commission an independent probe by KPMG into the SML contract.
Awuni has consistently maintained that SML was involved in a “shady contract” with GRA and the Ministry of Finance, questioning the legitimacy of its operations and financial claims.
The lawsuit, signed by Victoria Barth of Sam Okudzeto & Associates, demands compensation for alleged defamation arising from Awuni’s description of SML’s dealings as “the biggest scam,” “the SML scandal,” and “shady.”
The company also took issue with his assertions that its claims of savings and services rendered were “falsehood” and a “lie.”
A key point of contention is that the writ was filed on November 1, 2024, yet, according to Awuni, he has not been officially served.
Accordingly, he questioned the timing and motivations behind the media’s sudden interest in the lawsuit, particularly in light of recent developments.
“The publications are made in the wake of the Special Prosecutor’s announcement that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is being investigated over the SML deal and other alleged corruption-related cases.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
Awuni further disclosed that an editor of an online news platform confided in him that an unidentified individual had attempted to bribe him to publish the story about the lawsuit.
When the editor declined, the person reportedly claimed that Awuni was deliberately evading the service of the writ.
“It must be put on record that I have been in the United States since August 2024, and this is public knowledge,” Awuni clarified, dismissing any suggestions that he was avoiding legal proceedings.
Awuni Vows to Fight SML Lawsuit
This is not the first time Awuni has faced legal challenges due to his investigative work.
He revealed that SML had previously sued both him and the Media Foundation for West Africa in February 2024 over publications concerning the SML contract.
According to Manasseh Awuni, in that case, the court served him the writ through substituted service since he was already in the United States on a journalism fellowship at Harvard University.
“That writ was signed by the same Victoria Barth of Sam Okudzeto & Associates, so the same method of service could have been applied to serve me in this case.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
Despite the legal maneuvering, Awuni has vowed to defend himself in court, stating that he has already instructed his lawyers to take the necessary steps to ensure he is served so he can respond formally.
“This is the 11th defamation suit against me since 2015. I have never run away from any suit. I am a law-abiding citizen and will avail myself to defend my work, which has saved Ghana hundreds of millions of dollars and resulted in reforms and successful prosecutions.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
Meanwhile, the lawsuit raises broader concerns about press freedom and the ability of investigative journalists to expose corruption without fear of legal harassment.
Awuni’s exposé on the SML deal has been one of the most high-profile corruption investigations in recent years, prompting government action and renewed scrutiny over public contracts.
With the Special Prosecutor’s office now probing the former Finance Minister’s involvement in the matter, observers are keenly watching whether the lawsuit is an attempt to intimidate journalists or a legitimate effort to seek redress.
As Awuni prepares for yet another legal battle, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how investigative journalism is treated in Ghana.
Whether this lawsuit serves as a deterrent or emboldens more journalists to dig deeper into corruption remains to be seen.
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