The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Frederick Kaningen, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency organizer for Nadowli-Kaleo, over what he describes as false and malicious statements intended to damage his reputation.
The lawsuit, lodged at the High Court of Justice in Wa on April 3, 2025, stems from comments made by Kaningen during a press conference held on March 11 outside the NDC party office in Nadowli.
In his address, Kaningen accused Bagbin of attempting to “subvert the democratic process” by allegedly bypassing the party’s internal vetting mechanisms to install an “unqualified” candidate as District Chief Executive (DCE).
He further alleged that Bagbin’s actions threatened the peace and unity of the constituency.
In his statement of claim, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin categorically denied all allegations, describing them as baseless, provocative, and designed to tarnish his longstanding image as a principled politician and respected legal practitioner.
He contended that the statements, which were carried by Joy News, Citi News, and multiple Upper West Region radio stations, wrongly portrayed him as dishonest and undemocratic.
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who is the founder of the renowned Law Trust firm and boasts over four decades of legal experience, emphasized the toll the allegations have taken on his personal and professional image.
He noted that the remarks have stirred disaffection among party members and concern among colleagues, friends, and family.
“The statements are entirely false and were published with malice. Unless restrained by this court, the defendant will persist in this smear campaign,” Bagbin’s legal team, led by Thaddeus Sory of Sory@Law.
The Speaker is seeking a court declaration that the statements are defamatory, alongside aggravated damages and a permanent injunction restraining Kaningen from repeating the claims.
He is also demanding a full retraction and public apology in three separate publications on Joy News and Citi News, and during a press conference at the NDC’s Nadowli office.
Kaningen was served with the writ on April 4 and has eight days to enter an appearance, or risk judgment being entered against him by default.
Source | Upperwestmedia
