Student accused of defaming TV3 Talented Kids judge offers unqualified apology in settlement bid

Anastasia Odametey, the student at the centre of a defamation suit involving British Columbia College (BCC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benedict Tetteh Yartey, has proposed an out-of-court settlement, with her lawyers offering an unqualified apology as part of efforts to resolve the dispute.

In a letter dated October 13, 2026, and addressed to lawyers representing Dr Yartey and the other plaintiffs, solicitors for Odametey said their client was willing to explore an amicable resolution to avoid the time, expense and inconvenience associated with continued litigation.

The proposal, signed by Samuel Ofosu, Esq., of Sory & Partners, comes more than a year after the defamation suit was instituted on July 16, 2025, over publications allegedly made on various social media platforms.

The case, titled Dr Benedict Tetteh Yartey & Anor vrs Anastasia Odametey & Ors, is listed under suit number GJ/0995/2025.

According to the letter, Odametey is prepared to offer an unqualified apology to the plaintiffs as part of a settlement on terms acceptable to both sides.

“Our Client has expressed her sincere desire to resolve this matter amicably, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the benefits that an amicable settlement would offer both parties,” the lawyers stated.

They added that an agreement would serve the interests of both parties by bringing the dispute to a prompt and conclusive end without the need for further litigation.

“Our Client is prepared to offer an unqualified apology to your clients as part of a mutually acceptable settlement,” the letter stated.

The lawyers further urged the plaintiffs to consider the proposal in the spirit of reconciliation, expressing hope that both sides could cooperate to reach an agreement.

The letter, marked “Without Prejudice”, does not establish that the plaintiffs have accepted the proposal or that the parties have reached a settlement. It also does not set out any financial terms or specify other conditions for resolving the case.

Background to the dispute

The legal action stems from allegations circulated on social media by Odametey, a student of British Columbia College in Accra, against Dr Yartey, the school's founder, chief executive officer and principal.

The student, who was reported to be 17 at the time the allegations emerged, accused the educationist of sexual harassment and repeated inappropriate touching in a video that circulated online.

Dr Yartey and the school have denied the allegations, describing the claims as false and damaging to their reputations and the institution's standing.

The controversy generated public debate, including questions about student welfare, the handling of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the student's reported questioning by the Ghana Police Service's Cybercrime Unit.

The Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders were also reported to have considered measures to provide psychological support to the student.

The defamation suit was subsequently brought against Odametey and other defendants over publications alleged to have harmed the plaintiffs' reputations.

The latest proposal signals a possible shift towards negotiated resolution. However, whether the parties will agree to the proposed terms remains unclear, and the legal dispute cannot be considered resolved unless a settlement is reached or the case is otherwise concluded.

Dr. Benedict Yartey is a well-known Ghanaian educationist, musician, and public personality recognized for roles such as his involvement with TV3's Talented Kids.

EA