Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has commenced civil proceedings against Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo, popularly known as Bernard Bedzrah Baidoo, and broadcaster Abubakar Alhassan, known professionally as Blakk Rasta, over statements he alleges are false and defamatory.
The Manhyia South legislator confirmed the legal action in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, announcing that he had filed a Writ of Summons against the two individuals.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened public attention surrounding the MP’s legal representation of Salomey Awiti Baffoe, a mother of three who is facing proceedings over allegations connected to the circulation of content associated with the social-media account known as “Ghana Jollof.”
Mr Baffour Awuah said he had chosen the civil courts as the avenue through which he would seek redress over what he described as false statements made against him.
“I have today, 28th September 2026, filed a Writ of Summons against the underlisted persons for spewing falsehoods against my person,” he stated.
The two defendants named in the action are Bernard Bediako Baidoo and Blakk Rasta.
GH¢20 million damages reportedly sought
Although the MP’s statement confirmed the filing of the writ, it did not set out the specific statements or publications by the two defendants that he considers defamatory.
Reports surrounding the legal action indicate that Mr Baffour Awuah is seeking GH¢20 million in damages over the alleged defamatory statements.
The precise reliefs sought and the specific publications forming the basis of the action would be determined by the court documents filed in the case.
The lawsuit has introduced a new legal dimension to an already contentious public debate involving the Manhyia South MP and the circumstances surrounding Salomey Awity Baffoe’s detention.
Why the MP chose civil proceedings
Mr Baffour Awuah explained that he deliberately opted for civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution over the alleged publication of false information.
“Unlike the Government, I have chosen the path of democratic accountability by seeking redress through the civil courts rather than pursuing criminal prosecution for the publication of what I consider to be false information,” he said.
His position places the dispute within the civil justice system, where the parties will have the opportunity to present their respective cases and the court will determine the issues raised by the claim.
The filing also comes against the backdrop of a wider dispute that has attracted public attention following the MP’s involvement in the case of Salomey Awiti Baffoe and an incident involving officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court.
MP alleges intimidation
In the same statement announcing the lawsuit, Mr Baffour Awuah accused the government of attempting to intimidate and silence him because of his efforts to secure what he described as justice for Salomey and her three children.
He alleged that Salomey had been taken into custody by state security agents and remained in police custody.
The MP said the alleged attempts to intimidate him would not prevent him from pursuing the matter through lawful and constitutional channels.
“The attempt by the Government to intimidate and silence me in my quest to fight for the rights of a poor mother of three minor children, who was allegedly taken into custody by state security agents in the late hours of Saturday and remains in police custody, has failed,” he stated.
He maintained that his civil action over the alleged defamatory statements was separate from, although occurring within the same broader controversy as, his efforts to represent Salomey and protect the interests of her children.
Salomey case remains at the centre of controversy
The latest legal dispute follows growing public attention to Salomey’s case, which has generated debate over detention, bail, freedom of expression and the treatment of social-media-related cases.
Salomey has not been convicted of an offence, and allegations against her remain matters for determination through the judicial process.
Mr Baffour Awuah’s decision to sue the Akwatia MP and Blakk Rasta now shifts part of the wider dispute into a separate civil proceeding concerning alleged defamatory publications.
The defendants will have the opportunity to respond to the claims through the court process.
The Manhyia South MP has meanwhile signalled that he intends to continue using lawful avenues to pursue both the civil action and his legal representation of Salomey.
The outcome of the defamation proceedings will ultimately depend on the evidence presented by the parties and the findings of the court.
