Former Minister of Trade and Industries, Kobina Tahir (KT) Hammond, says he will proceed with legal action against the Herald Newspaper over a publication he considers defamatory, despite the newspaper’s decision to issue an unqualified apology.

According to the former Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament, the apology, published in the newspaper’s latest edition, came too late and does not sufficiently remedy the damage caused by the publication.

Hammond contends that the apology was neither prominent nor conspicuous enough to counteract the alleged defamatory effect of the original story, arguing that the manner and prominence of the retraction should have reflected the seriousness and reach of the publication in question.

He further noted that the newspaper’s apology was not accompanied by any form of compensation to assuage what he described as the significant emotional distress and reputational damage caused by the publication.

The former Energy Minister said the story had caused considerable damage to his credibility and standing, insisting that a mere apology, particularly one issued after the controversy had gained traction, was insufficient to cure the alleged mischief.

“The apology came too late,” Hammond said, arguing that the publication had already caused substantial damage to his reputation.

He said he had given the newspaper ample opportunity to pursue an amicable settlement and had waited patiently for it to act, but the newspaper failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

According to him, several cautions were communicated to the newspaper regarding the seriousness of the matter and the importance he attaches to protecting his reputation.

He noted that it was only after the newspaper realised the gravity of the situation and the firm position he had taken that it eventually responded.

Hammond maintained that the circumstances surrounding the publication warranted legal redress and, consequently, intends to pursue a defamation action against the newspaper.

Hammond made the remarks in an interview in reaction to the apology published in the Herald Newspaper’s latest edition.

The Herald had previously published a report concerning alleged bribery involving some former government officials in connection with the ASKA Energy deal, a publication that Hammond says contained defamatory allegations against him.

The newspaper has since issued an unqualified apology, but Hammond maintains that the apology does not adequately address the extent of the reputational and personal harm he believes the publication caused.