NDC Chairman confronts former Auditor-General in protracted defamation battle
By Philip Antoh
Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is challenging an eight-year-old defamation suit.
On May 29, “General Mosquito,” as he is widely known, appeared in an Accra High Court to defend himself against a GHC20 million (approximately $1.6 million) claim brought by Professor Edward Dua-Agyemang, a former Auditor-General and current Chairman of the Audit Service Board.
Contrary to prior media speculation that Nketia had evaded the case, he presented his evidence-in-chief, asserting his stance against the allegations. Professor Dua-Agyemang’s legal team is seeking significant damages, contending that comments made by Nketia in 2018 severely damaged his reputation.
During the proceedings, Nketia took the witness stand after the cross-examination of Nii Oko Dzane, who had testified against Professor Dua-Agyemang in his capacity as Chairman of the Citizen Vetting Committee.
This committee had previously investigated allegations of a fabricated audit report against the plaintiff.
Nketia’s legal counsel, Samuel Coudjoe, successfully requested an amendment to his client’s witness statement.
The adjustment reflects Nketia’s current role as NDC National Chairman, rather than his previous position as General Secretary, which he held when the alleged defamatory comments were made.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie Tay, presiding, granted the request, ordering the amended statement to be served to the court and the plaintiff’s counsel. The case is scheduled to resume on June 18, 2025.
The legal dispute originates from 2018 when Asiedu Nketia allegedly accused Professor Dua-Agyemang on Accra-based Neat FM of fabricating audit reports during his tenure at the Audit Service. Nketia purportedly claimed these actions led to Dua-Agyemang’s expulsion from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG).
Professor Dua-Agyemang, in his suit, maintains that these remarks were false and maliciously intended to tarnish his professional and personal standing both within Ghana and internationally.
His lawyers, led by Gary Nimako of SAFO & MARFO@LAW, argue that Nketia’s statements were reckless and designed to portray the professor as dishonest.
Crucially, Professor Dua-Agyemang vehemently denies ever being banned by the ICAG. A letter dated October 15, 2018, from the Institute’s President, Professor Kwame Adom-Frimpong, confirms that Dua-Agyemang has been a member in good standing since 1978.
Following a recent court session, Asiedu Nketia reportedly approached Professor Dua-Agyemang, telling him directly, “you will litigate to your death.” Professor Dua-Agyemang reportedly responded with only a smile.