Accra Hearts of Oak Sue Ghanaian Sports Journalist Wisdom Osei Bonsu
- The Accra Hearts of Oak club has initiated legal action against a Kumasi-based sports journalist and his employers
- The Ghanaian football giants are seeking a substantial sum in damages for statements they consider false and defamatory
- The defendant has addressed the matter for the first time, confirming that he has received the writ of summons from the GPL side
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Ghana Premier League giants Accra Hearts of Oak have taken a legal action against Ghanaian sports journalist Wisdom Osei Bonsu and Kumasi-based Ezra FM/TV, the presenter has confirmed to YEN.com.gh.
The Continental Club Masters are reportedly demanding GHC 200,000 in damages over statements the journalist made about Hearts that they claim are false and defamatory.
Source: Twitter
The lawsuit was filed at the High Court in Accra, with the club asserting that the journalist's remarks were fabrications and have caused harm to club's image.
Per club sources, the legal action underscores the club's commitment to protecting its reputation and holding individuals accountable for statements that may negatively impact its standing in the public eye .
According to sources who spoke to YEN.com.gh, Hearts of Oak is also seeking a retraction of the false statements from the sports journalist, along with a public apology to be issued on both the radio and television stations, as well as across all online platforms affiliated with the station.
As the case progresses through the legal system, it highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the potential legal consequences of disseminating unverified or defamatory information.
"I can confirm that I was given the notice of summons on Tuesday, August 12, and my team has already filed a formal response. That's all I’m prepared to say for now." Osei Bonsu said.
What are the possible sanctions against Osei Bonsu?
If found guilty of defamation, Wisdom Osei Bonsu could face a range of legal consequences. In Ghana, defamation is both a civil offense, according to Dennis Law GH.
The sports journalist may be required to pay compensation for the damages caused to the reputation of the affected party, which, in this case, is the Hearts of Oak club, who recently celebrated Benjamin Asare's Ghana call-up.
Source: Twitter
If the court rules in favor of the club, who are one of the 18 Ghana Premier League clubs for the 2025/26 season, the journalist could be ordered to pay the GHC 200,000 in damages, or even higher amounts if the harm is deemed significant. This financial penalty serves as a deterrent to prevent future defamatory statements.
Moreover, the journalist’s professional reputation and career could suffer, as being convicted of defamation could lead to loss of credibility and trust in the media industry.
In a prior case, Ghana Football Association President Kurt E.S. Okraku filed a lawsuit against sports analyst Atta Poku and Sompa FM/TV, accusing the journalist of making defamatory and false statements about him.
Obeng Nyarko sued Abu Bonsrah
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on another legal case involving former Asante Kotoko marketing manager, David Obeng Nyarko, and sports journalist Kwadwo Bonsrah aka Super Obondede, who works with Kumasi-based Agyapa FM and Television.
In March of this year, the sports presenter was reportedly convicted of defaming Obeng Nyarko after making false statements about the former Kotoko official. As a result, the court ordered the presenter to pay GHC 65,000 in damages to Nyarko.
Source: YEN.com.gh
