The High Court in Accra has expressed frustration over delays in finalizing the GH¢5 million defamation case filed by actress Martha Ankomah against popular Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win.
At a hearing on April 14, 2025, the court noted the absence of both Lil Win and his lead counsel, despite earlier commitments by both parties to submit terms of settlement by April 1.
The case stems from alleged defamatory comments made by Lil Win, reportedly in response to Martha Ankomah’s public criticism of Kumawood movie standards. In her suit, Ankomah is seeking GH¢5 million in damages for the actor’s remarks.
Following a move by Lil Win for an out-of-court resolution, the court granted time for both parties to conclude settlement discussions. However, progress has stalled.
Counsel for the plaintiff, Nii Appiatu Plange, told the court that he had sent the agreed settlement terms to the defense in mid-March but had received no response.
“I sent the agreed terms to defendant’s lawyer for defendant to sign… but as I speak, I have not heard anything from Counsel,” Plange said.
A representative for Lil Win, Jalila Sumaila, standing in for the substantive counsel Margret Adjei-Twum, attributed the delay to the lead lawyer’s ill health.
She assured the court that the documents had since been handed over to the defendant and requested an adjournment.
Justice Forson Agyapong Baah, who presided over the case, did not hide his displeasure.
“I honestly thought today we were going to adopt the terms of settlement. This dragging of feet in signing the terms is not good for anybody,” he said.
The court granted what it called a final adjournment, setting May 14, 2025, as the new date for Lil Win to sign the settlement terms. Failure to do so, the judge warned, would result in the case proceeding to trial.