High Court Grants Substituted Service In Koku Anyidoho’s GHC5M Defamation Suit Against Captain Smart

The Accra High Court has granted a procedural order in a defamation suit. This suit was filed by Samuel Koku Anyidoho against journalist Captain Smart and Media General Ghana Ltd. The case is valued at GHC 5 million.

On May 8, 2025, the court approved substituted service of court papers. These papers will be posted publicly on the High Court notice board and Media General’s premises. They will also appear on various online platforms, including Ghanaweb. This decision follows Anyidoho’s request for alternative service methods due to difficulties with direct service.

The notice confirming this order has been posted at Media General's premises and online. Captain Smart and Media General have 10 days to respond through their lawyers. If they fail to do so, they may face a summary judgment and other court orders.

This legal battle began in January 2025 when Anyidoho filed the lawsuit. He took action after Captain Smart made allegations about his conduct as Head of Communications under President John Evans Atta-Mills. Captain Smart claimed that Anyidoho's behavior led to a resignation letter from then-President John Mahama.

Anyidoho denies these claims, calling them false and defamatory. In his suit, he seeks:

- GHC 5 million in damages for defamation
- A formal apology and retraction of the statements
- An injunction preventing further defamatory remarks
- Costs of the suit
- Any additional relief the court finds appropriate

Justice Ellen Lordina Serwaa Mireku presided over the case and granted the substituted service order.