Former Minister of Energy and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has sued Ghanaian media outlet [TV XYZ] and journalist Salifu Maase, popularly known as Mugabe Maase, over what he describes as defamatory remarks made against him.

It would be recalled that a video recently surfaced online in which the media house, during one of its morning shows, hosted Salifu Maase alongside former Member of Parliament for Kpone Katamanso, Hopeson Adorye, who alleged that some key figures within the NPP were behind the recent power crisis.

According to the claims made during the discussion, certain party executives allegedly paid engineers in the Ashanti Region to sabotage the government by deliberately switching off electricity in parts of the region. It was further alleged that each engineer was offered GH¢150,000 as part of the plan.

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Following the circulation of the video, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, through his lawyers, have filed a lawsuit against the media house and Salifu Maase.

According to the court documents dated May 8, 2026, the former Energy Minister outlined several damages he claims to have suffered as a result of the allegations.

The document stated that he had “suffered damage to his character and reputation by being portrayed to right-thinking members of society as a person who is a saboteur of the national interest.”

It further noted that he had also “suffered damage to his character and reputation by being portrayed to right-thinking members of society as a person who is unpatriotic,” among other claims.

Dr Opoku Prempeh is seeking a public apology and retraction from the media house and the journalist.

“An order directed at the Defendants to publish an unqualified retraction and apology to the Plaintiff with the same prominence as the defamatory words received, within seven days after judgment.

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“An order for a perpetual injunction restraining the 1st Defendant, his agents, assigns, servants, and any person claiming authority through him from further making and/or publishing any words defamatory of the Plaintiff,” part of the document stated.

Among other reliefs, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is also seeking damages amounting to GH¢20 million for defamation.

“…The sum of Twenty Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢20,000,000) in damages for defamation jointly and severally against the Defendants,” the document added.

Read the full documents below:

Former Energy Minister and 2024 NPP Vice Presidential candidate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has filed a GH¢20 million defamation lawsuit against TV XYZ, Power 97.9 FM and broadcaster Salifu Maase, aka, Mugabe Maase, over allegations linking him to an alleged scheme to sabotage… pic.twitter.com/piy2lMx624

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 8, 2026