Supreme Court Stops Move to Seize Asamoah Gyan’s Bank Funds

Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has secured a significant courtroom boost after the Supreme Court overturned a High Court order that sought to freeze his bank accounts to recover a judgment debt of more than GH₵1 million.

A five-member Supreme Court panel, chaired by Justice Amadu Omoro Tanko, unanimously held that the previous garnishee proceedings — which compelled seven banks to appear before the High Court — were improperly obtained. The justices ruled that the ex parte decision breached due process and must be set aside.

The earlier High Court directive involved CBG, Ecobank, Zenith Bank, GT Bank, Access Bank, GCB Bank and Stanbic Bank, who were summoned to explain why funds belonging to Gyan should not be used to pay journalist Anthony Osarfo. That order was issued in November 2024 despite an active appeal and a pending application for a stay of execution.

Gyan’s lawyers, led by Bobby Banson, challenged the move at the Supreme Court, insisting that the High Court acted prematurely and violated Gyan’s right to be heard. The Supreme Court agreed, pausing any attempts to enforce the judgment until the Court of Appeal reviews the core case.

Background

The long-running legal battle stems from a defamation and malicious prosecution suit filed by journalist Osarfo after he was cleared in a sexual misconduct allegation involving the former national team striker. In December 2023, the High Court awarded Osarfo over GH₵1 million — covering damages, legal fees, and lost earnings.

With the latest ruling, Gyan and his legal team now have breathing room as they continue to contest the initial judgment at the appellate level.