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High Court Expresses Frustration Over Delays
The High Court in Accra has voiced its displeasure over delays in finalizing a GH₵5 million defamation case filed by actress Martha Ankomah against Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin.
The court’s frustration stems from the absence of LilWin and his legal team during the latest hearing, despite both parties agreeing to submit their terms of settlement by April 1, 2025.
Background: The Defamation Suit
Martha Ankomah initiated legal action following allegedly defamatory comments made by LilWin. These comments were reportedly a reaction to Ankomah’s earlier statement, in which she explained her reluctance to work with Kumawood actors due to what she described as a lack of quality in their storylines.
Following public backlash and rising tensions, LilWin approached Martha in an attempt to settle the matter out of court. The court, recognizing this effort, adjourned the case to give both parties time to finalize the agreement.
Plaintiff’s Legal Team Left Waiting
During the hearing on April 14, 2025, Martha’s lawyer, Nii Apiatu Plange, informed the court that the terms of settlement had been sent to LilWin’s legal team mid-March, but no feedback had been received.
“I sent the agreed terms to the defendant’s lawyer for the defendant to sign in the middle of March. But as I speak, I have not heard anything from counsel,” Plange told the court.
Defense Attributes Delay to Illness
Jalila Sumaila, representing the defendant in place of lead counsel Margaret Adjei-Twum, attributed the delay to Adjei-Twum’s illness. She informed the court that the documents had only recently been passed on to LilWin for signature and requested another adjournment.
“My instructions are that the terms have been given to the defendant to sign, and the substantive counsel is not well. Hence, we are praying for a date,” Sumaila explained.
Court Issues Final Warning
Plange agreed to a final adjournment, cautioning that if the terms are not signed, the case should proceed to trial.
“We will oblige them a last adjournment, and if they fail to sign, then we proceed with the matter,” Plange stated firmly.
Presiding Judge Justice Forson Agyapong Baah expressed disappointment with the delays, stressing the importance of moving forward.
“I honestly thought today we were going to adopt the terms of settlement. This dragging of feet and signing the terms is not good for anybody,” the judge remarked.
The case has now been adjourned to May 14, 2025, with a clear warning: if the terms are not filed by then, the matter will proceed to trial.
“If at the next adjourned date, May 14, 2025, the terms have not been filed, the case shall proceed,” the court declared.
