Samuel Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has initiated legal action against media personality Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, popularly known as Afia Schwarzenegger, at the Accra High Court.
The lawsuit, filed by Gyamfi’s legal team at Sustineri Attorneys PRUC, seeks GH₵10 million in damages over defamatory statements made in a TikTok video. In the video, Schwarzenegger alleged that Gyamfi had purchased property in the United States for his wife and her supposed sister, as well as cars for female students at the University of Ghana. Gyamfi has vehemently denied these claims, describing them as “baseless, malicious, and deliberately contrived to damage his reputation.”
Defamatory Claims and Legal Response
Court documents reveal that Schwarzenegger’s statements—made in Asante Twi and accompanied by an official English translation—accused Gyamfi of financial impropriety and immoral conduct. Among the contested claims was an assertion that Gyamfi’s wife had a sister named “Vida” who allegedly received a house in the U.S., a claim Gyamfi denies, stating his wife has no such sister. His legal team argues that the media personality either knew the allegations were false or acted with “unpardonably reckless disregard for the truth.” Since the video’s circulation, Gyamfi claims he has faced embarrassment, with high-ranking officials, NDC members, and associates questioning him about the allegations. The suit demands GH₵10 million in damages, a retraction, a public apology in the Daily Graphic, and a permanent injunction against further defamatory publications.
Afia Schwarzenegger’s Response and Next Steps
In a TikTok video following the lawsuit, Schwarzenegger appeared unbothered, stating she does not intend to contest the case and even sarcastically congratulated Gyamfi on his anticipated victory. The court has given her eight days to formally respond after being served with the writ.
The case has sparked public interest, highlighting tensions between media personalities and public figures over accountability for defamatory content. Gyamfi’s legal action underscores the growing scrutiny of unchecked allegations on social media and their potential to harm reputations. The outcome could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving high-profile individuals and digital content are handled in Ghana’s legal system.
