Accra High Court Clears Edward Akufo-Addo of Presidential Jet Allegations

The Accra High Court has ruled that there was no evidence to support claims that Edward Akufo-Addo, popularly known as “Bompty” and the brother of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, used Ghana’s presidential jet for personal trips.

The judgment brings to an end a long-standing defamation suit filed by Edward Akufo-Addo against Class Media Group, Mensah Thompson, Accra FM presenter Kwabena Bobie Ansah, and Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku.

In its ruling, the court found that the allegations made against him lacked factual or evidentiary basis. The court awarded damages against the defendants and ordered a retraction of the claims as well as a public apology.

Background of the Case


The suit was originally filed in June 2021 after comments made on Accra FM’s The Citizen Show on 29 May 2021. During the broadcast, the defendants alleged that Edward Akufo-Addo had access to and used the presidential jet for private purposes because of his family connection to the then President.

Edward Akufo-Addo, a businessman and Managing Director of Amaadi Cold Stores Limited, denied the claims, describing them as false and damaging to his reputation. He sought GH¢10 million in damages, a retraction, a public apology, and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from repeating the allegations.

In June 2022, the High Court entered a default judgment against Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku, who failed to respond to the suit, awarding GH¢10 million in damages and ordering a retraction and apology.
The recent ruling concludes the matter in respect of the remaining defendants.

Court Finding


The High Court determined that the defendants failed to provide evidence that Edward Akufo-Addo used the presidential aircraft for personal travel. The court therefore found the statements defamatory and granted reliefs in favour of the plaintiff.

While some reports circulating from TV3 Ghana have cited damages of GH¢200,000 against Class Media Group and Mensah Thompson, other versions of the judgment widely shared attribute the full GH¢10 million award originally sought by the plaintiff, together with orders for retraction and a public apology.

The decision marks the formal end of a case that had remained before the courts for more than five years.