Spencer Wan Blog of Saturday, 21 December 2024
Source: Eric Afatsao
The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has called for a retraction and apology from broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, known as Captain Smart, regarding what he claims are false and defamatory statements made about him.
In a letter dated December 16, 2024, addressed to Media General GH Ltd, Kweku Y. Paintsil, the lawyer representing the Adansi Asokwa MP, referred to a viral video that has been circulating on social media. This video allegedly shows an upset K.T. Hammond outside his home. The letter states that Captain Smart's commentary accuses him of making tribalistic remarks.
“Our client has noticed a viral, two-part streaming video clip on social media. One part of the video is muted and shows our client appearing agitated, surrounded by several individuals outside his residence. The second part of the video features you and another individual (likely a co-host of your radio show) providing a running commentary, during which you attributed the following bigoted and tribal statement to our client…”
The commentary claims that Mr. Hammond expressed dissatisfaction with an “Ewe person” running against him for a parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region.
K.T. Hammond asserts that Captain Smart's claims are untrue and defamatory, causing him “significant distress and embarrassment.”
Furthermore, Mr. Hammond is pursuing substantial compensation for the damage to his reputation and the legal expenses incurred.
“In this situation, our client urgently requests a full and clear public retraction and apology, the wording of which must be approved by us, along with a commitment not to repeat these allegations.”
“We have also informed him that he is entitled to significant compensation for the harm to his reputation and feelings, and we invite your proposals on this matter. Our client will also require reimbursement for all legal costs he has incurred.”