Okyehene’s Secretary Sues Hopeson Adorye Over ‘Agyapadie’ Document

A prominent member of the Movement for Change, Mr. Hopeson Adoye, is facing a defamation lawsuit after being accused of amplifying and publicizing the controversial ‘Agyapa’ document, which has recently resurfaced in both traditional and social media. The lawsuit, filed by Mr. Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, the Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, centers on claims that Mr. Adoye falsely identified Mr. Ofori-Atta as the author and technical director of the contentious ‘Agyapadie’ document.

The document allegedly outlines a strategy aimed at ensuring the economic dominance of Akyem individuals across Ghana. Its content, which has been widely debated, implicates several prominent figures from Okyeman, suggesting a deliberate plan to consolidate wealth and influence for future generations.

Mr. Adoye’s comments, which were made during a televised discussion on Onua TV’s “Onua Maakye” program, have become the focal point of the legal action. Media General, the operators of Onua TV and Onua FM, has also been named as the second defendant in the suit. The plaintiff argues that the media house failed to prevent its platform from being used to propagate defamatory remarks.

The defamation suit is seeking GHC 10 million in general damages, including aggravated or exemplary damages. Additionally, it demands a public apology from Mr. Adoye and an injunction to prevent the defendants from making further defamatory statements.

The plaintiff contends that on July 26, 2024, Mr. Adoye, appearing as a panelist on the “Onua Maakye” show, made unsubstantiated claims about the ‘Agyapadie’ document. According to the statement of claim, Mr. Adoye repeatedly insinuated that Mr. Ofori-Atta and other notable Akyem figures conspired to monopolize Ghana’s wealth for themselves and future generations.

In his on-air commentary, Mr. Adoye alleged that the document detailed plans to control key sectors of the economy, including the financial and mining industries. He also suggested that the Akyem people intended to dominate the judiciary by strategically positioning their members within the Supreme Court to maintain influence for decades.

The plaintiff has vehemently denied any involvement in the creation or promotion of the document, asserting that it is a baseless fabrication intended to damage reputations. The lawsuit highlights that the document, which initially circulated with little attention, has gained renewed traction due to Mr. Adoye’s public statements and the subsequent media coverage.

The writ emphasizes that the document, which features images of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and other key figures from Ofori Panin Fie, is a misleading attempt to associate these individuals with a fraudulent scheme. The plaintiff maintains that the commentary has caused significant harm to the reputation of the Ofori Panin Fie and the broader Okyeman community.

The lawsuit underscores the serious implications of spreading unverified information in the media, especially when such statements can cause reputational damage and public mistrust. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is likely to draw further attention to the responsibilities of media outlets and commentators in safeguarding against defamation and the spread of misinformation.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com