A day after securing a major legal victory at the Court of Appeal, Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has issued a calm but pointed response, framing the ruling as a vindication of due process and a reaffirmation of his confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.
The Court of Appeal on Thursday unanimously overturned the 2020 High Court judgment that had favored veteran journalist Abdul Malik Kweku Baako in their long‑running defamation dispute. The appellate court ordered a full retrial and directed that all monies paid by Mr. Agyapong under the earlier judgment be refunded within 30 days.
Agyapong: “The process must reflect the full substance of my case”
In his statement released today, Mr. Agyapong emphasized that his appeal was driven by concerns over fairness, particularly the High Court’s decision to strike out portions of his witness statements during the Case Management Conference stage.
He described yesterday’s ruling as a necessary correction.
“The appeal arose after an earlier judgment by the Accra High Court in favour of Mr. Baako, following the striking out of portions of my witness statements at the CMC stage. I challenged that decision because I believed the process and outcome did not reflect the full substance of my case,” he said.
The Court of Appeal’s decision, he noted, restores the opportunity for a complete hearing of the issues.
Calls for a Proper Determination of the Matter
Mr. Agyapong welcomed the order for a retrial, saying it ensures that the case will be examined on its full merits rather than on procedural limitations.
“The Court has now set aside the High Court’s judgment and ordered a retrial of the matter to ensure that the issues are properly determined,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the court’s directive for a refund of all monies paid under the quashed judgment.
A Measured Tone After a Heated Legal Journey
Known for his fiery public persona, Mr. Agyapong’s response was notably measured, focused on legal principles rather than personal victory. He stressed his continued trust in the judiciary and his intention to pursue the matter strictly through lawful channels.
“I remain confident in the judicial process and committed to pursuing this matter through the appropriate legal channels,” he said.
What This Means Going Forward
With the High Court judgment nullified, the case returns to the trial court for a fresh start. Both parties will have the chance to re‑litigate the issues with all evidence intact, setting the stage for another closely watched chapter in one of Ghana’s most prominent defamation battles.
Sankofaonline will continue to track developments as the retrial process unfolds.
