The High Court in Accra (General Jurisdiction) has confirmed that efforts to reach an out-of-court settlement in a GH¢5 million defamation lawsuit against Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, also known as Lilwin, have failed.
As a result, the plaintiff, actress Martha Ankomah, has requested that the case proceed in court.
Earlier this year, in July, the court was informed of a potential settlement, which led to an adjournment.
However, that attempt has now been abandoned.
During the court session on October 15, 2024, Justice Forson Agyapong Baah learned from Ankomah’s lawyer, Nii Apatu Plange, that the defendant was not prepared to settle.
“We made our proposals to the intermediary, but it was communicated to us that the defendant was not ready for settlement,” Plange stated.
He urged the court to move forward with the case.
Justice Baah subsequently adjourned the hearing to November 5, 2024, instructing that hearing notices and today’s notes be issued to the defendant.
Notably, Lilwin was absent from court and had no legal representation, while Ankomah attended.
The defamation claims arose after Lilwin allegedly insulted Ankomah in a viral video, where he criticized her for her remarks about Kumawood actors.
In a writ filed on February 14, 2024, Ankomah contends that Lilwin’s statements have damaged her reputation and the brand GTP.
Ankomah claims that Lilwin falsely accused her of disdain for Kumawood actors, asserting she declined to work with them due to perceived inferior storylines.
As a result, she is seeking:
a) GH¢5 million in damages for the defamatory statements.
b) Compensatory damages for harm to her reputation.
c) Aggravated damages for the reckless and malicious nature of the statements.
d) An order for Lilwin to publicly apologize and retract his statements.
e) An injunction to prevent further defamatory publications.
f) Legal costs.
Background
Ankomah alleges that during a radio interview on Accra FM, she expressed her disinterest in collaborating with Kumawood actors, citing a dislike for witchcraft storylines.
Following her comments, Lilwin criticized her publicly, prompting the lawsuit.
In her statement of claim, Ankomah highlighted specific remarks made by Lilwin, including disparaging comments about her career and suggesting she lacked genuine star power.
She asserts that she has worked diligently in the film industry for over 20 years, gaining respect and recognition.
The case will continue to be heard in court, with the next session scheduled for November 5, 2024.