Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has initiated legal action against The Fourth Estate’s investigative reports, following investigative reports that led to public outcry and political scrutiny.
The reports, which focused on SML’s contracts with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), have sparked intense backlash and calls for contract termination.
In its lawsuit against the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Founding Editor of The Fourth Estate, SML alleges that the reports incited public hatred and inflicted reputational harm.
Former President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to terminate SML’s contracts if elected has further escalated the situation.
Despite rebuttals and clarifications from SML, the media outlet continued to use terms like ‘shady’ and ‘questionable,’ prompting SML to seek GHS10 million in damages.
The company also seeks an injunction against further defamatory publications, along with a retraction and apology.
This legal action marks the second time SML has sued over The Fourth Estate’s exposé.
The initial lawsuit was dismissed as The Fourth Estate is not a legal entity.
However, SML has now redirected its legal efforts toward MFWA, under which The Fourth Estate operates.
In response to the reports, President Nana Akufo-Addo ordered an audit of the GRA/SML deal by KPMG.
The audit revealed discrepancies, including instances where approval from the Public Procurement Authority was bypassed.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the contentious issues surrounding SML’s contracts and the scrutiny faced by investigative journalism in Ghana.