Afenyo-Markin: Defamation Writ Served on Sammy Gyamfi's Lawyers

• Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has filed a defamation lawsuit against Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi over "gold scam" allegations.
• Afenyo-Markin's lawyers, Dehyena Chambers, confirmed the writ was served on Gyamfi's lawyers on May 24, 2024, after they formally notified the High Court of their representation.
• Dehyena Chambers rejected claims that Afenyo-Markin was avoiding service, stating that service on a party's lawyer who has entered an appearance is legally valid.
• The lawsuit, filed on May 17, 2024, at the High Court in Accra, seeks GH¢10 million in damages and a perpetual injunction against Gyamfi.
• Gyamfi's lawyers acknowledged receipt of the writ by signing it at their office.

The legal team for Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the service of writ Ghana High Court rules permit and recognize service on a party's legal counsel once they have formally entered an appearance.

A high-profile defamation lawsuit involving Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has seen recent developments regarding the service of legal documents. Mr. Afenyo-Markin, represented by Dehyena Chambers, has initiated proceedings against Mr. Gyamfi following allegations of involvement in a "gold scam." The legal action, filed at the High Court in Accra on May 17, 2024, seeks substantial damages and a permanent injunction.

Recent claims suggested that Mr. Afenyo-Markin was deliberately avoiding the service of the writ on Mr. Gyamfi. However, his legal team has vehemently denied these assertions, clarifying the procedural steps taken to ensure proper notification of the lawsuit. This dispute over the service of the writ has brought the procedural aspects of the Afenyo-Markin defamation service Sammy Gyamfi case into public focus, highlighting the importance of adhering to court protocols.

Dehyena Chambers, acting as legal representation for Mr. Afenyo-Markin, confirmed that the writ was officially served on Mr. Gyamfi's lawyers on May 24, 2024. This service occurred at their office, and Mr. Gyamfi's legal representatives acknowledged receipt by signing the document. This action followed a formal notification to the High Court by Mr. Gyamfi's lawyers, indicating their official representation in the matter.

The legal team for Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the service of writ Ghana High Court rules permit and recognize service on a party's legal counsel once they have formally entered an appearance. They underscored that serving a lawyer who has formally notified the court of their representation is a valid and legally recognized method. This clarification directly addresses the accusations of avoidance, asserting that all necessary legal steps were properly followed.

In response to the allegations of deliberate delay or avoidance, Dehyena Chambers issued a strong statement, labeling such claims as both "malicious" and "untrue." The firm urged the public to disregard these assertions, reiterating that the proper legal channels for notification had been utilized. This firm stance aims to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the procedural handling of the Alexander Afenyo-Markin defamation Ghana case.

The lawyers for Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted that the procedural steps taken were in full compliance with the court's regulations, which allow for service on a party's lawyer once formal representation has been established. Their detailed explanation of the service process serves to counter the narrative that Mr. Afenyo-Markin was attempting to evade the legal notification required for the Sammy Gyamfi defamation lawsuit.

The core of the legal action stems from allegations made by Mr. Gyamfi, accusing Mr. Afenyo-Markin of involvement in a "gold scam." As a result of these statements, Mr. Afenyo-Markin is seeking significant compensation, specifically GH¢10 million in damages. This substantial amount reflects the perceived harm to his reputation and standing.

Beyond monetary compensation, the lawsuit also seeks a perpetual injunction. This legal remedy aims to permanently restrain Mr. Gyamfi from making any further defamatory statements concerning Mr. Afenyo-Markin. The filing of this suit at the High Court in Accra on May 17, 2024, underscores the seriousness with which Mr. Afenyo-Markin views the allegations and his determination to protect his public image through legal means.

This article provides a procedural update on a high-profile defamation case in Ghana, specifically regarding the service of a writ. While it doesn't introduce new legal precedent or compliance obligations, lawyers following this specific case or interested in the practicalities of service of process in high-profile Ghanaian litigation will find it relevant for tracking case developments.

Source: Original reporting via GhanaWeb