Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a former Energy Minister, has filed a defamation lawsuit against TV XYZ and Power FM, seeking GHS 20 million in damages. The suit alleges false claims that he orchestrated the sabotage of electricity supply in parts of the Ashanti Region.
Dr. Prempeh, known as 'Napo,' filed the suit through Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, also naming radio and television host Salifu Maase, or Mugabe Maase, as a defendant. The allegations surfaced during a program titled “Inside Politics,” broadcast on TV XYZ and Power 97.9 FM on May 4, 2026. The program aired an anonymous audio recording claiming Dr. Prempeh paid District Engineers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to deliberately disrupt power. Court filings indicated the recording detailed meetings where ECG engineers and politicians allegedly received payments for switching off electricity in the region.
This lawsuit comes amidst broader concerns about power reliability in Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region. Uninterrupted power supply is crucial for economic stability and business operations across the country. Discussions around energy infrastructure and potential disruptions frequently feature in public discourse. The government is actively working to improve the national power grid, with significant investments in key energy projects.
Dr. Prempeh contends that the allegations are false, malicious, and damaging to his public standing. He argues that these claims portray him as engaging in unlawful conduct and undermining national interests. Furthermore, he asserts that the publication has harmed his public image, which he built through years of public service, including recognition from institutions like the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
The former Minister is seeking a court declaration that the statements broadcast on May 4, 2026, were defamatory. He also demands an unqualified retraction and apology, published with equal prominence, within seven days of a judgment. Dr. Prempeh is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendants and their agents from further publishing such material. He requests an order to stop the media platforms from disseminating false and malicious claims about him, in addition to legal costs and any other appropriate reliefs.
In a related development, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the current Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has warned against any attempts to sabotage Ghana's power supply systems. Speaking during a tour of project sites in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Jinapor emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring constant power. He stated that no one would be permitted to derail these efforts, promising rigorous action against saboteurs. The Minister also urged ECG officials to report any potential disruptions immediately.
Dr. Jinapor's comments underscore the sensitivity of power supply issues and the government's focus on energy security. He cited Ghanaian engineering expertise, noting the quick repair of Akosombo, which was completed in five days instead of the projected six months. His tour included visits to ongoing transformer upgrades at Anwomaso and sites for CENIT Energy and ASKA Power Thermal, all aimed at improving power reliability in the region. This legal action highlights the serious nature of accusations related to power sector integrity, a critical component of Ghana's economic infrastructure.