Dr. Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr. China, the National Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has brought fintech company Hubtel Limited before the Kumasi High Court (Commercial Division) for negligence and breach of contract regarding USSD shortcodes used for campaign donations.
Dr. China has filed for general damages and is also a candidate for the post of General Secretary in the next national executive elections.
Dr. China is requesting a number of declaratory reliefs, a mandatory injunction, an account of transactions, general damages of GH¢5 million, exemplary damages, special damages, interest, and costs in a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim filed on or around July 17, 2026 (Suit No. OCC 1201/2026).
In the next NPP National Executives Elections, he is running for General Secretary.
His team signed a contract with Hubtel in January 2026 to use the code 7132028# to raise money for the campaign.
His worries started in April 2026 when an NPP IT officer allegedly asked Hubtel to activate a different code, 7142028#, ostensibly for the purpose of collecting party dues.
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USSD prompts and mobile money receipts demonstrating payments made to Dr. Dwamena using the illegal code were among the particular evidence mentioned in court documents.
Dr. China added that Hubtel later cut off his campaign fundraising channel at a crucial pre-election period by deactivating his contractual 7132028# shortcode without his permission.
Dr. China promptly voiced textual objections, cautioning that a duplicate code would lead to widespread confusion.
Hubtel proceeded to activate the illegal code in spite of the explicit warning.
The court records also showed that, in theory, the new code was connected to show Dr. China’s name as the beneficiary.
False narratives swiftly spread throughout NPP WhatsApp groups and social media channels as a result of this arrangement, with severe political repercussions.
The National Treasurer was falsely charged in the widely shared posts of fraudulently transferring official party membership dues into his personal account.
To exacerbate the situation, Hubtel terminated Dr. China’s initial marketing shortcode entirely without his consent.
During a crucial phase of his political campaign, this abrupt deactivation essentially cut off his donation flow.
The Statement of Claim alleged that Hubtel owed Dr. China contractual and tortuous responsibilities, including the responsibility to:
- Maintain and operate the assigned shortcode exclusively for his campaign.
- Refrain from activating or linking shortcodes bearing his name without consent.
- Avoid deactivation without authorisation.
The plaintiff said that Hubtel had engaged in negligence and breach of contract by deactivating his platform, linking the codes, and activating the conflicting code in spite of his documented opposition.
Additionally, he said that by supporting both his campaign and NPP Headquarters, the business created a conflict of interest.
According to Dr. China’s claim for significant damages, the episodes resulted in:
- Severe reputational harm through alleged defamatory publications portraying him as diverting party dues.
- Loss of campaign donations.
- Political and professional damage to his bid for the NPP General Secretary position ahead of the September 18–20, 2026 elections.
Additionally, he wants reimbursement of any amounts found owed to him and a complete account of all transactions made using the 7142028# shortcode.
Key reliefs include:
- Declarations affirming the existence of a valid contract and that Hubtel’s actions were wrongful.
- A mandatory injunction to reinstate *713*2028# and permanently deactivate *714*2028#.
- General damages of GH¢5,000,000.
- Exemplary damages for “reckless and high-handed conduct.”
- Interest at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate and legal costs.
Nana Freduah Agyeman Osborn Esq. of Osborns Legal Practice in Asokwa, Kumasi, issued the writ.
Former Deputy Ambassador to China, Dr Charles Dwamena has served in several capacities within the NPP, including National Treasurer.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s regulatory framework, Hubtel Limited is a licensed supplier of payment services.
As of the time this report was filed, Hubtel Limited had not yet made an appearance or officially addressed the accusations that were pending before the Kumasi High Court’s Commercial Division.
This issue emphasises how digital payment platforms, political campaign funding, and possible conflicts over contribution channel control are becoming increasingly intertwined in Ghana’s political environment.
Source: newsthemegh.com