The Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, has filed a GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit against Facebook user Samuel Bryan Buabeng over social media publications she says falsely linked her to alleged narcotics trafficking and abuse of office.
According to a writ of summons filed at the Accra High Court, Opare is seeking GH¢10 million in general damages for libel, in addition to aggravated and exemplary damages.
The legal action concerns a Facebook publication made on September 22, 2026, on Buabeng’s publicly accessible page.
Yvonne Opare Challenges Facebook Allegations
According to the GACL Managing Director’s lawyers, the publication featured Opare’s name and photograph alongside that of Frank Danquah, identified in the post as “Frank Dankwa.”
The publication allegedly described Danquah as Opare’s “favourite member of staff” and referred to him as an AVSEC supervisor who allegedly assisted a drug trafficker.
The post also made allegations concerning bank accounts, claiming that Danquah had emptied several accounts, including one said to contain more than GH¢500,000.
It subsequently alleged that the “Cocainenomy” was on the right footing, with individuals in influential positions allegedly benefiting from the activity.
Opare’s legal team argues that the use of her name and photograph alongside the allegations created an implication that she had an improper relationship with Danquah and was connected to, or benefited from, alleged narcotics trafficking.
GACL MD Denies Criminal Allegations
The lawyers described the allegations as serious claims of criminal involvement, corruption and abuse of office, all of which Opare categorically denies.
The GACL MD’s legal team has also issued a cease-and-desist notice, demanding the removal of the publication and related comments they consider false and defamatory.
The lawyers are further demanding an unconditional retraction, a public apology and a written undertaking that the allegations will not be repeated.
GH¢10 Million Defamation Claim
Among the reliefs being sought at the High Court is a declaration that the statements and photographs published on September 22 are false and defamatory.
Opare is also asking the court to order Buabeng to delete the post and remove any copies, shares or reproductions from social media platforms, websites or other online accounts under his control.
The plaintiff is seeking an unconditional retraction and unreserved public apology to be published on the same Facebook page and with the same prominence as the original publication.
She is also asking that the apology remain pinned on the Facebook page for 30 consecutive days.
In addition, the GACL MD is seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the defendant from republishing the allegedly defamatory statements or similar content.
The suit includes a claim for GH¢10 million in general damages, alongside aggravated and exemplary damages.
Lawyers Clarify Relationship Between Opare and Danquah
In correspondence to the defendant’s lawyers, Opare’s legal representatives specifically challenged the September 22 publication and what they say was the implication created by placing their client’s name and photograph alongside Danquah’s.
According to the lawyers, Danquah has worked with Ghana Airports Company Limited since September 1, 2004, but has “no personal connection” with Opare apart from their respective professional roles.
Opare’s lawyers also said she rejects the description of Danquah as her “favourite member of staff” and denies any involvement in or benefit from the alleged criminal activities referenced in the Facebook post.
Case Pending Before Accra High Court
The defamation case is now before the Accra High Court, where the allegations, claims and reliefs sought by the GACL Managing Director will be determined.
The lawsuit highlights the potential legal consequences of publishing allegations of criminal conduct, corruption and abuse of office on social media, particularly where the claims are disputed by the person named or depicted.
Source: newsthemegh.com