Kurt Okraku vs Atta Poku: Court Rejects Application to Move Defamation Case to Kumasi

An Accra High Court has dismissed an application by Collins Atta Poku and Teraone Media Limited, owners of Sompa TV/FM, to transfer their defamation case with Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku to Kumasi.

Justice Forson Agyapong presided over the hearing and awarded a cost of GHs4000 against the defendants.

The GFA President dragged Atta Poku and his media outfit to court for allegedly making defamatory and libelous statements against him.

Okraku claims the defendants published false accusations to defame his character, including misappropriation of funds meant for Black Stars players, ill-treatment of defender Daniel Amartey, and buying buses for Division One League clubs.

The court ordered the defendants to file their defense on or before May 5, 2025. The defendants had argued that the case should be transferred to the High Court in Kumasi, citing their place of residence. However, Okraku’s lawyer, Godwin Mensah Sackey, opposed the application, stating that the defendants’ principal place of address is in Accra, making the Accra High Court the proper venue.

The GHC 30 million lawsuit was brought by Okraku, an Executive Council member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The case highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences of publishing defamatory content.