Ibrahim Mahama, Engineers & Planners Sue Bright Simons for GHS10 Million Over Defamation

Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama and his company Engineers & Planners Company Ltd. (E&P) have filed a defamation lawsuit at the High Court of Justice in Accra against Bright Simons, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Ghana.

The Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim, filed on May 28, 2025, seeks to address alleged defamatory remarks published by Bright Simons in an article dated April 19, 2025, titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine”. The article was published on Simons' personal website brightsimons.com and shared via his social media handle @BBSimons on X (formerly Twitter).

Details of the Lawsuit

The 1st Plaintiff, Ibrahim Mahama, is described as a high-profile Ghanaian businessman and founder/CEO of E&P, with additional business interests including Asutsuare Poultry Farms and Dzata Cement Ltd. The 2nd Plaintiff, E&P, is the principal mining contractor at Abosso Goldfields Limited’s Damang Gold Mine, operating across Ghana and West Africa.

The defendant, Bright Simons, resides in Koans Estate, Amasaman, and is cited as the author and publisher of the article in question.

Allegations of Defamation

According to the plaintiffs, the article falsely alleges, among other things, that:

• E&P is struggling financially due to the temporary suspension of mining operations at Damang.

• The company’s creditors are “up in arms” over the halt.

• Government decisions regarding the Damang mine are being improperly influenced by Ibrahim Mahama due to his relationship with President John Dramani Mahama.

• Officials at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MinComm) have conflicts of interest favouring E&P.

The plaintiffs assert that the statements are not only false and baseless, but were made maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth, causing serious reputational harm, anxiety among financiers, and damage to their commercial credibility.

Plaintiffs’ Reliefs Sought

The plaintiffs, represented by Bobby Banson Esq. of Robert Smith Law Group, seek the following reliefs:

• A declaration that the defendant’s statements are defamatory.

• A court order for a retraction and unqualified apology to be published on all platforms used and in Daily Graphic for six consecutive editions over three months.

• A perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications.

• GHS10 million in general damages.

• Legal costs and any additional relief the court deems just.

Court Proceedings

The court has commanded Bright Simons to enter an appearance within eight days of service, failing which judgment may be entered in default.

This case could have significant implications for media freedom, corporate governance, and the boundaries of public interest commentary in Ghana.