Business magnate Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), have filed a defamation suit against policy analyst and social commentator Bright Simons, seeking GHS10 million in general damages.
The writ of summons, filed at the Accra High Court, accuses Mr. Simons of publishing false and malicious statements that have damaged the reputation and business standing of both the entrepreneur and his company.
According to the statement of claim, the plaintiffs allege that Bright Simons made defamatory assertions in an article published on his website and social media platforms.
Among the claims cited are suggestions that E&P is financially distressed following a temporary suspension of mining operations by Gold Fields at the Damang Mine, where E&P is a contractor.
The plaintiffs argue that Mr. Simons’ claims — including allegations that E&P’s creditors are “up in arms” and that the President’s brother is influencing mining policy for personal gain — are entirely without basis.
The suit states that such comments imply that Mr. Mahama is leveraging his familial relationship with former President John Dramani Mahama to secure unfair business advantages.
The plaintiffs contend that the statements have tarnished their reputations, raised concerns among business partners and financiers, and undermined E&P’s creditworthiness in the mining sector.
They maintain that the publications were done “with malice” and intended to lower their standing in the eyes of the public.
In addition to the GHS10 million in damages, the plaintiffs are seeking:
- A declaration that the statements in question are defamatory;
- A court order for Mr. Simons to publish a full retraction and unqualified apology on the same platforms as the original publication, as well as in the Daily Graphic on six consecutive occasions;
- A perpetual injunction to restrain the defendant from making further defamatory statements against them;
- Legal costs and any other reliefs the court deems appropriate.
The suit indicates that efforts were made by the plaintiffs to resolve the matter amicably. On April 22, 2025, their lawyers reportedly demanded a retraction and apology, which Mr. Simons failed to provide.
The case, now before the High Court, is expected to test the bounds of public commentary and defamation, particularly involving high-profile business figures and political sensitivities in Ghana’s corporate landscape.
Read the full suit below:
