The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour has demanded an immediate retraction and an unqualified apology from The Herald newspaper over a front-page story published in its May 12, 2025, edition, which he claims is defamatory and baseless.

In a letter dated May 12, 2025, from his legal representatives, JKORANTENG@Law, addressed to The Herald’s Managing Editor, Larry-Alans Dogbey, Ntim Fordjour described the publication, headlined “Ntim Fordjour Dragged Before Police CID Over GH¢600,000.00 Contract Fraud,” as wholly untrue.

The letter stated that the allegations lack any factual basis and that the newspaper failed to contact the MP to verify the story before publication.

Ntim Fordjour, a reverend minister, former Deputy Minister of Education, and sitting MP, denied any dealings with the businessman named in the article - Sylvester Agyen, or receiving any funds as alleged.

“Our client instructs us that you neglected, failed and /or refused to reach out to him to confirm the veracity of the story before going to press. You have, by your actions, caused right thinking members of the society to think of him as a fraudulent person when no such situation exists. Please note that our client has had no dealings with the said businessman named in your publication, whether in private or in the conduct of his public duty.

"We are instructed to inform you that our client has not received any money from any person, including the said Sylvester Agyen, either directly or indirectly, or through anyone for the purpose stated in the impugned publication,” the letter said.

The letter accused the newspaper of unprofessional conduct, asserting that the story was an attempt to smear Ntim Fordjour’s reputation and distract him from addressing matters of national interest.

The MP’s lawyers demanded that the publication is retracted with the same prominence as the original story and issue an apology within 72 hours of receipt of the letter, failing which legal action would be pursued to vindicate Fordjour’s rights.

The letter emphasised Ntim Fordjour’s scandalisation by the publication, noting its potential to damage his reputation among “right-thinking members of society."

GA/AE