Troubled Kumawood star Kwadwo Nkansah has successfully persuaded actress Martha Ankomah to settle the GH₵5 million defamation lawsuit outside of court after both parties reached an agreement.
The settlement terms were finalized on Tuesday, February 25, following a previous impasse that had been disclosed in open court.
With this new understanding, the legal teams are required to file the settlement details and reappear before the court on April 1, 2025. Justice Forson Baah Agyepong will then formalize the agreement as a consent judgment.
During the hearing on February 25, 2025, an initial offer from Lilwin and his legal representatives to pay GH₵150,000—comprising GH₵50,000 in legal fees—was outrightly dismissed, with Martha Ankomah’s lawyers deeming it “an eyesore.”
“We have been trying to reach the defendant for settlement,” counsel for the plaintiff stated. “My learned colleague representing Lilwin is here, and I have called her numerous times in an attempt to find common ground,” but with no success.
According to him, it was only the previous Saturday that Lilwin’s legal counsel reached out with a proposal, but the amount suggested was described as inadequate.
Nii Applatu Plange, the lawyer representing Martha Ankomah, emphasized, “In our estimation, this is not a matter worth pursuing further, so we are back in court to continue with the case.”
Lilwin’s counsel acknowledged the statements made in court by the plaintiff’s lawyer but argued that her client’s offer was reasonable.
She admitted being taken aback by the opposing counsel’s strong description of their proposal.
“We are now at the mercy of the plaintiff and the court,” she added.
Clarifying their position, the plaintiff’s lawyer reminded the court, “At our last appearance, we made a significant concession, reducing our demand from GH₵5 million to GH₵2 million. When my learned colleague finally reached out, she proposed GH₵100,000 in compensation and GH₵50,000 for legal fees.”
He maintained that the amount was unsatisfactory, justifying his earlier remarks about it being “an eyesore.”
Lilwin’s counsel explained in court that their proposal included GH₵100,000 for Martha Ankomah and GH₵50,000 in legal fees, bringing the total to GH₵150,000.
“We are approaching the Easter season, and we recognize that the harm caused to the plaintiff is not something that can be measured in monetary terms,” she reasoned.
She further stated, “Considering our faith as Christians, we acknowledge that we cannot adequately compensate Martha Ankomah for her stature.”
She also noted that “We are suggesting a substantial 1.5 billion in the old currency,” which they believe is a fair figure.
The plaintiff’s counsel, however, raised additional concerns regarding the revised apology, arguing that it had not been handled appropriately.
Presiding judge Justice Forson Baah Agyepong, who had previously advised both parties to resolve the matter amicably, expressed frustration, saying, “I won’t say any more; I have counseled both parties enough.”
As it became apparent that the plaintiff and her legal team were unwilling to accept the GH₵150,000 offer and preferred to continue with litigation, Lilwin, through one of his managers, whispered to his lawyer in court.
His counsel then informed the court that her client had decided to increase the amount to GH₵200,000, inclusive of legal fees.
This led to further exchanges in court before both parties approached the bench. After further discussions, they agreed to continue negotiations in chambers without the judge’s direct involvement.
Following nearly two hours of deliberations, the legal teams returned to inform the court that they had successfully reached a settlement.
Upon checking their schedules, both parties confirmed that they would return to court on April 1, 2025, for the formal adoption of the settlement terms as a consent judgment.
While the exact amount agreed upon for general damages remains undisclosed, the final resolution will include a fresh public retraction and an appropriate apology.
