Render unequivocal retraction and apology or face me in court – K T. Hammond tells Captain Smart, Media General
Render unequivocal retraction and apology or face me in court - K T. Hammond tells Captain Smart, Media General
Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa Constituency in the Ashanti region, Mr. Kobina Tahir Hammond, known in political circles as K T Hammond, has on the management of Media General (MG) and the Host of Onua Maakye morning host Blessed Godsbrain Yerenkyei Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, a retraction and apology over what he describes as false and defamatory statements attributed to him.
In a letter dated December 16, 2024, and addressed to Media General GH Ltd, the lawyer for the Adansi Asokwa MP, Kweku Y. Paintsil, referenced a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly depicts an agitated K.T. Hammond in a setting outside his residence. According to the letter, Captain Smart’s accompanying commentary accuses him of making tribalistic remarks.
“Our client’s attention has been drawn to a viral, two-in-one streaming video clip circulating on social media, with one part of the video muted and showing our client in an agitated mood and surrounded by a host of individuals within the outer confines of his residence. However, on top of the first video clip, the related second video clip shows you and another gentleman (possibly a co-host of your radio show) doing a running commentary or voice-over in which the following bigoted and tribal statement was attributed to our client…”
The commentary alleges that Mr. Hammond expressed discontent over an “Ewe person” contesting him for a parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region.
Mr. KT Hammond contends that the claims made by Captain Smart are false and defamatory, causing him “considerable distress and embarrassment.”
Additionally, Mr. Hammond is seeking substantial compensation for reputational damage and legal costs incurred.
“In the circumstance, our client requires from you as a matter of urgency a full
and unequivocal public retraction and apology in terms to be approved by us,
and an undertaking not to repeat these allegations.
We have also advised him that he is entitled to substantial compensation for the
injury to his reputation and feelings, to which we invite your proposals. Our
client will also require payment from you for all the legal costs he has incurred in
this matter.
We look forward to hearing from you without delay. If we have not received a
satisfactory reply by Wednesday 18th December 2024 our instructions are to
issue a Writ,” portions of the letter read.
