Ga Mantse Wins Defamation Suit...Awarded Gh�10,000 Damages

An Accra Fast Track High Court on Thursday June 2, 2011 found Ga Dzaasetse, Nii Yaote Otoga, guilty of defaming the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III. Nii Yaote Otoga, who belongs to a rival faction battling for the Ga Stool, has for many months challenged the authority of the Ga Mantse. In 2009, he claimed that the Ga Mantse had forged the signature of President John Evans Atta Mills on a document to give the impression that King Tackie Tawiah was the recognized, legitimate occupant of the Stool. The allegation was vehemently denied by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and the Ga Royal Paramount Stool Dzaase. Subsequently, King Tackie Tawiah demanded a retraction and an apology from his accuser but the Dzaasetse stood by his claims, forcing the Traditional Council to take legal action against him. The Court, presided over by Justice Edward Asante, found Nii Yaote Otoga guilty for maliciously defaming Nii Tackie Tawiah. He has been fined Gh�500,000 (Five billion old Cedis). A further Gh� 10,000 cost was awarded to the Plaintiff. Nii Boye Abbey, who speaks for the Ga Mantse, told Citi News the ruling has vindicated the King and restored his reputation. �Basically it�s a victory for justice and obviously I don�t think it is proper for someone to go about recklessly maligning people�s reputation. Therefore we believe sincerely that he (Nii Yaote Otoga)will come to himself and do what was expected of him. Definitely if we don�t hear anything we will go into judgment execution very soon� he noted. The Ga Mantse's legitimacy is still not very clear and the Mills Administration has failed to recognise him as the King.