The two journalists are Wilberforce Asare of Asaase and Michael Afriyie of ABC News.
Court documents cited by GhanaWeb showed that Sammy Gyamfi was demanding damages of GH¢10,000,000 from the defendants.
He also demanded a retraction and an unqualified apology from the defendants, which should be published on the front page of the Daily Graphic Newspaper for three consecutive days.
The court gave the defendants up to eight days after the service of the writ of summons to respond to Sammy Gyamfi’s suit.
Read Sammy Gyamfi's full statement of claim below:
a. A declaration that the news report/story authored, published/republished. circulated, distributed and/or otherwise caused to be published/republished. circulated, and/or distributed by the Defendants herein and on various media platforms with the heading "NDC's Sammy Gyamfi allegedly blows party cash on lavish trip to Miami with wife" which contained the following statements about the Plaintiff
“… Sammy Gyamfi, according to information from the Betsy Hotel in Miami, Sammy Gyamfi and the wife are staying there for two weeks. The couple are paying 15$3000 a day, totalling US$42,000. This is the reason for the angry outbursts of some NDC social media activists... "The funds meant for the communication outfit, for those who go on radio and television to defend President Mahama and the policies of the party going into the elections Sammy Gyamfi is spending on himself and his wife!... Those of us who defend this party on social media networks, what do we get? We don't get anything from the party not knowing that Sammy Gyami has hijacked our monies and spending it on himself as well as his unemployed wife another NDC activist said, fuming...
… Sammy Gyamfi and his wife lodged at the famous Betay Hotel, South Beach, a 5-star hotel, located on the vibrant Miami Beach. This luxurious property offers a range of top-notch facilities including a fitness centre, a snack bar, a sun terrace, and a concierge service. Guests travelling with children can enjoy board games or puzzles, while those seeking relaxation can unwind at the rooftop pool or indulge in the spa facilities. The hotel also boasts a beachfront location, evening entertainment, and a restaurant offering a variety of cuisines.
The units at The Betsy Hotel, South Beach, are designed to provide comfort and convenience All units come equipped with air-conditioning, a hairdryer, a fridge, a work desk, a seating area, a fan, and a flat-screen TV. Some units also offer tea and coffee-making facilities, and a baby cot. The hotel ensures a pleasant stay with services such as housekeeping, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of free WiFi throughout the property.
The Betsy Hotel offers a range of activities including yoga classes, walking tours, and cycling. The hotel is within close proximity to several points of interest such as Lumumas Park Beach (200 metres), Miami Beach (300 metres), South Pointe Park Beach (1.4 km), and the Art Deco Historic District (700 metres). The Miami International Airport is conveniently located just 18 km away, making it an ideal choice for international guests.
Scores of NDC footsoldiers have questioned Sammy Gyamfi on the source of the funds he is wasting on himself and wife. "This is an extreme form of extravagance at our expense It is rating short of a vulgar display of opulence. Our Communications Officer must explain to us where se got this money to blow on himself and unemployed wife one NDC social media activist wrote on his Facebook timeline." is defamatory of the Plaintiff.
b. A retraction and an unqualified apology by each of the Defendants to Plaintiff using the same medium they used in publishing the defamatory statements complained of.
c. A retraction and an unqualified apology by each of the Defendants to be published on the front page of the Daily Graphic Newspaper for three (3) consecutive days.
d. An order of the Honourable Court in the nature of a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants herein and their assigns from making any further publication/republication and/or causing to be printed, published/republished, distributed, and/or circulated any other similar defamatory words touching and/or otherwise concerning the Plaintiff herein.
e. An award of general damages against the Defendants for defamation per paragraph 20 above.
f. Exemplary damages of GHS 10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Ghana Cedis) against the Defendants.
g. Costs inclusive of Counsel's fees.
h. Any further or other orders as this Honourable Court may deem meet.
Credit: ghanaweb.com