An Accra High Court, has ordered ex-Ghanaian international, Asamoah Gyan to pay a journalist, GH₵1 million for malicious prosecution.
The case was a twist as it was Gyan that took the renowned Ghanaian journalist Osarfo Anthony, and four others to court only for the latter to turn around to slam him .
The four persons Asamoah Gyan sued were later found not be guilty of the crime after they were arrested and were acquitted of their charges on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
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The Court awarded Osarfo Anthony GH¢900,000 in damages, GH¢111,000 for the 111 months he was out of work, which paid him GH¢1,000 at the time
Gyan had taken the matter of an alleged sexual assault incident between him and a young lady known as Sarah Kwablah, to court seeking redress.
He pleaded extortion against the journalist and the others, which led to their detention.
The matter took another turn however after the men were eventually released, and Anthony Sarfo counter-sued the footballer and his manager Sammy Anim Addo for malicious prosecution and demanded GH₵ 1 million in damages.
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The Eagle reports that his case sailed through today, December 8, 2023, after the Accra High Court presided by Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa, ruled.
In the ruling, it found Asamoah Gyan and his manager guilty of falsely accusing the four persons of extortion and for their unlawful arrest.
It held that Gyan sued the four persons and had them arrested to protect his own image, and not really because of the publication.
Consequently, the Court awarded Osarfo Anthony GH¢900,000 in damages, GH¢111,000 for the 111 months he was out of work, which paid him GH¢1,000 at the time.
Also, Asamoah Gyan and his manager were charged GH¢60,000 by the Court, bringing the total amount they should pay over the malicious prosecution to GH¢1,071,000
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.