Media conglomerate Despite Group and two employees with Okay FM, Kwame Nkrumah, popularly known as Kwame Nkrumah Tikesie and Kwame Amoh have rendered an unconditional apology to ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas for defamatory comments made against him on their platform.
The two, during a discussion on investigative documentaries including ‘Galamsey Fraud Part One’ produced by Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tiger Eye PI associates on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' show, made some allegations and comments relating to the work of the same.
Kwame Nkrumah Tikesie in his presentation uttered words which suggested to the audience that Mr. Anas was a criminal who engages in extortion, bribery and blackmail of identifiable persons. The presenter also stated that he has knowledge of a person from whom they claimed Mr. Anas extorted an amount of GHC 5,000.00. He also stated that Mr. Anas’ criminal conduct is encouraging other journalists, including Manasseh Azure Awuni of Joy FM to engage in extortion, bribery and corruption.
The investigative journalist, following this sued the two (Kwame Nkrumah and Kwame Amoh) for the damage the said comments had done to his his image and reputation.
Anas registered claims against the two, "jointly and severally, for damages for libel contained in the publication endorsed on the writ of summons by way of an attachment and particularized costs, including lawyer fees.”
In their retraction and apology to Anas Aremeyaw Anas they acknowledged having made allegations that have been found out to be false. In that regard, they apologised that it had happened on their platform and described their actions as 'most regretabble'.
The statement added " The management of Okay FM, Kwame Nkrumah and Kwame Amoh do hereby apologize and unconditionally and unreservedly retract the allegations and comments made against Anas and his associates during the discussions on the Morning Show.
The media house also promised to moving forward, avoid publishing or reproducing any such allegations and comments as those made on March 7, 2019, on any of its platforms.
Find the full statement below