The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North constituency, Andy Appiah-Kubi says he has lost a lot of grounds in his quest to hold himself as MP for the area.
The former Deputy Minister for Railways polled 25,009 votes, representing 63.9 percent of total votes cast, to win the parliamentary seat in 2020.
He however says his bid to stand for re-election is at risk as some potential voters are shunning his company.
He attributes the development to an alleged defamatory statement by the assembly member of the Obuasi Electoral Area, Enoch Sarfo Asiedu, whom he has sued for defamation.
“The plaintiff says that by reason of the defamatory statements he has lost a lot of grounds in his quest to hold himself as the Member of Parliament for the Asante Akim North Constituency, and a future candidate for his Political Party for the December 2024 General Elections, as some potential voters are shunning his company by reason of such derogatory and defamatory remarks,” part of the claim reads.
These were contained in a statement of claim the MP filed at a Kumasi High Court seeking a declaration that the statements by the defendant, uttered on Salt FM, a local radio station on April 12, 2023 at Agogo are defamatory, and have tendered to lower his image and standing.
He is also seeking an order of the court to compel the defendant to retract and also apologise for the defamatory statements uttered on the station. He is also seeking damages of GHȼ1 million.
The 17-point statement of claim, dated 12th May 2023 and filed by Kwasi Asokwa-Boateng of Appiah-Kubi & Associates of Nhyira Chambers, avers that the defendant on Friday, 12th April, 2023, contributed to a programme on Salt FM that defamed him by the use of unpalatable Twi words.
The MP in his statement of claim, said the “defendant was actuated by malice by the use of such unpalatable words against him on the Platform SALT FM Radio”.
The Plaintiff says that allegations against him have lowered his standing and image in the estimation of right-thinking members of the Ghanaian society and in particular citizens of Asante Akim constituency.
But Mr. Appiah-Kubi was absent when the case was called for hearing on Friday July 28, 2023.
Present in court was the defendant, Enoch Sarfo Asiedu and his lawyer, Prince Owusu Agyemang from S.K Boafo and Gye Nyame Consult.
Appeal Court Judge, Justice Kwamena Baiden, sitting as an additional High Court judge awarded a cost of GH1,000 against the plaintiff, Andy Appiah-Kubi for failing to appear before the court.
The case was adjourned to 19th October, 2023.
But few moments after the court proceedings were brought to a close, some placard-carrying youth numbering about 50 with inscriptions “Show us what you did with your Common Fund”, “7 years in government, 7 court cases”, “Asante Akyem North needs development”, among others hit the court complex premises.
Spokesperson of the group, Samuel Atia said they are uncomfortable over the treatment their MP has meted out to some constituents anytime they demand accountability from him.
Source: myjoyonline.com
