Popular Ghanaian Showbiz icon, Koofori, known in private life as Samuel Seth
Kwabena Kyere Karikari has instituted legal action against TV3, an Accra
based television station for libel and slander. Lawyers of Koofori in a
letter dated 26th January, 2011 indicated that certain defamatory remarks
were made on HOT GOSSIP, one of the programmes on TV3 which according to
them tarnished the image of the popular comedian and radio presenter.
They stated that on Saturday the 22nd of January, 2011 when “HOT GOSSIP” was
aired some of the remarks made on the said programme stated that three
months after the death of his wife he has married again. The said programme
also stated categorically that Koofori has married a white lady and they
have been spotted in some public places in Tema. During this time, koofori
was on a holidays in America and returned a day after this program was
aired. ‘’It has come to our notice that certain defamatory remarks were
made on your programme; “HOT GOSSIP” which was aired on Saturday the 22nd
day of January 2011. Your said programme stated inter alia that three months
after the death of our client’s beloved wife, he had re-married.
That he had re married a white person who your host did not name. That
various photos were displayed of him and his deceased wife juxtaposed with a
picture of him with a white female. That the white female in the picture was
behind him so as to give credence to the false impression that Mr. Karikari
had taken another wife i.e. had married this white female in the
picture.” But Lawyers of Koofori stated that the remarks made on HOT GOSSIP
are false. “It is repeated for emphasis that it is not true Mr. Karikari has
married again, or has married a white female or intends to do so at
present.”
They observed that the remarks made on the said programme have brought the
name of their client into disrepute. “As a result of this programme well
meaning persons as well as members of his family of his deceased wife have
been casting insinuations to the effect that he might have had a hand in the
demised of his wife in order to marry this white female”.
However counsel for Koofori have ordered management of TV3 to render an
apology and retract the story within a week. ‘’A simple retraction and
apology on your News Edition/Announcement may help to mitigate damages. This
offer is open for 7 (seven) days.’