The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng against North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, citing inconsistencies surrounding the appellant’s identity and upholding the public interest basis of the MP’s claims.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, March 26, a three-member panel led by Justice Anthony Oppong noted that two different identities had been presented before the court, making it impossible to conclusively establish the appellant’s identity. The judges said this fundamental defect significantly weakened the case.
The Court further stated that even if the identity issues had not arisen, the appeal would have failed on its merits. It held that Mr. Ablakwa’s statements were grounded in truth and served the public interest, particularly in safeguarding public funds.
Consequently, the Court awarded GH₵40,000 in costs against Rev. Kusi Boateng in favour of Mr. Ablakwa.
The legal dispute arose from allegations made by the MP regarding the National Cathedral project. Mr. Ablakwa accused Rev. Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, of conflict of interest and using multiple identities.
In January 2023, Mr. Ablakwa petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over alleged financial impropriety, including a GH₵2.6 million payment to a company linked to the Reverend under a separate identity.
Rev. Kusi Boateng subsequently filed a defamation suit against the MP, but the High Court, presided over by Justice Barbara Tetteh-Charway, dismissed the case—a decision now upheld by the Court of Appeal.
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