Soccer News of Wednesday, 10 March 2004

Source: Soccer Express

FoxFM Slammed With ?100m Damages

An Accra High Court yesterday slapped FOX FM, a popular radio station in Kumasi with a ?100 million fine in damages for defamatory publications made by the station against the chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Associaton, Ghalca, Mr. J.Y. Appiah.

The court, presided by Her Lordship Mrs Inkumsah-Abban also awarded a ?500,000 cost against FOX and ordered that the monies be paid within a week, failing which Mr. Appiah would be expected to go into execution of the judgement.

The judge said in arriving at the amount of ?100 million, she took into consideration the adverse effect of the defaming publication on the business, social standing and public service positions of Mr. Appiah.

FOX FM was only one of three defendants originally joined in the suit by Mr. Appiah, with Brong Ahafo United Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Arthur and the Graphic Communications Limited as the other defendants.

While the Graphic purged itself of the offending publication with a retraction and an apology, the case against Mr. Arthur is slated for May 11, for hearing.

The case against the defendants is that Fox FM and Graphic were granted interviews by George Arthur in which he made some uncomplimentary remarks against the person of Mr. Appiah.