Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), an information technology and services company has initiated legal proceedings against Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and the Fourth Estate about the broadcast of the “GH¢3 billion lie report.” The report, titled “The GHS 3 Billion Lie & The Billion-dollar Contract,” was aired on December 18, 2023. In a lawsuit filed on February 15, 2024, SML seeks GHS 10 million in damages.
The company claims that the inaccurate reporting by the defendants has had a negative impact on its business operations. Despite SML issuing rebuttals to counter the false information, the defendants have failed to retract and apologize for consistently spreading misinformation.
The report by the Fourth Estate alleged that SML was awarded a 10-year contract with an annual payment of $100 million by the GRA, which raised concerns about potential irregularities. This led to President Akufo-Addo suspending and ordering an audit of the contract by KPMG, an accounting and auditing firm. The audit’s Terms of Reference include examining the rationale behind the contract approval, assessing the appropriateness of the contracting process, and ensuring compliance with legal standards and industry best practices.
SML is seeking GHS 10 million in damages and the following remedies against the defendants:
1. General damages of GH₵1,000,000.00 for defamation.
2. Exemplary damages of GH₵9,000,000.00 for the reckless and malicious reporting.
3. Permanent injunction restraining the defendants from publishing any further defamatory material about SML.
4. A retraction and apology from the defendants, to be given the same coverage and prominence as the false information was initially published.
5. Any other orders deemed appropriate by the court.
Read the full suit below
