GAA coach Owusu fined GH¢500k for defamation

Former athlete and Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) coach, Andrew Owusu, has been requested by a Fast Track High Court to pay a whopping sum of GHC 500,000 for deliberately defaming and slandering George Haldane Lutterodt, a former GAA boss.

Owusu, who is currently based in the United States, accused Lutterodt two years ago for indulging in a huge visa racketeering scandal and described him as an incompetent person during his reign.

But Lutterodt believes the judgment has proven his innocence.

“It is a relief that the judgement was emphatic because defamation cases are difficult to win and this is what people forget to realize.

"For the judgement to be emphatic against Andrew Owusu I think it says a lot. I will use the opportunity to thank my lawyers, my family, pals, media and also the athletic community.

“The lies of Andy Owusu have been exposed in court today. He goes around lying against an innocent man and should never come near GAA. He has been asked to retract both in the Graphic and Radio Gold where he made the allegation and apologise. We will ensure he does”, he told Starr Sports.

“This is victory for GAA. A lot of people have been victimised, maybe I have the resources to clear myself but what about the others who don’t have? This victory is for all of them. Doctor Puffer, Doctor Owusu Ansah were all members of my team and their names have been cleared.

"They were all honest people and we did our best and somebody put filth on us, but we have been cleansed and Andy Owusu should be ashamed of himself”, he added.