Ras Mubarak sues Baako & Despite media outlets for defamation

Acting CEO of the National Youth Authority, Ras Mubarak has filed a writ of summons against Aminu Abdulai of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAG-D), Kwaku Baako Media Limited, publishers of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper & Despite Music Production Limited, owners of Okay FM and www.peacefmonline.com, for defamation.

The writ was issued on Tuesday November 25, 2014 at the Accra Fast Track High Court.

It is in connection with publications last month in which Aminu claimed his office was locked on the orders of Mubarak because he refused to carry out the Acting CEO’s directives to misappropriate public funds of Ghc215,100.00 out of Ghc450,000.00 meant for the Youth Leadership & Skill Training Institutes (YLSTIs).

Aminu claimed Mubarak caused his (Aminu’s) office to be broken into and sealed on Friday October 17, 2014 for his refusal to carry out Mubarak’s corruption orders.

Below are Mubarak’s claims in his defamation writ in connection with the allegation:

1. A declaration that the statements “criminal”, “forging of signatures”, “unqualified to hold the position”, “incompetent”, “corrupt”, “misappropriation of funds”, and “burn ballot boxes” during national elections made by the 1st Defendant and published by outlets owned by the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are defamatory of the plaintiff.

2. General damages inclusive of exemplary damages for the defamatory statements made and published by the Defendants.

3. Perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants from further publication or causing to be published the said words or anything similar.

4. Costs including Solicitor’s fee.

The Defendants are to enter an appearance within 8 days.