Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), has taken legal action against Facebook user Samuel Bryan Buabeng. The lawsuit alleges that on 22 September 2026, Mr Buabeng posted defamatory statements and photographs on his personal Facebook page, accusing Ms Opare of involvement in narcotics trafficking and abuse of her official position.
The writ filed at the High Court seeks GH¢10 million in general damages for libel, along with aggravated and exemplary damages. Ms Opare also requests a declaration that the content posted on the Facebook page “Samuel Bryan Buabeng” is false and defamatory.
In addition to monetary compensation, the plaintiff demands that Mr Buabeng delete the offending posts within seven days of judgment and remove all copies, shares or reproductions from any social media account or internet site under his control. The court order also requires him to publish an unconditional retraction and unreserved apology on the same Facebook page, with the same prominence as the original post, pinned to the top of the page for thirty consecutive days.
Ms Opare further seeks a perpetual injunction to restrain Mr Buabeng, his agents, servants or assigns from publishing the alleged defamatory material in the future. The writ instructed Mr Buabeng to appear in court within eight days of service, warning that failure to do so could result in a judgment being entered against him in his absence.
The case underscores the growing legal recourse available to public officials facing online defamation in Ghana. Observers note that the High Court’s response to such claims will set precedents for future disputes between private citizens and public figures on social media platforms.
