Former Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, has filed a Defamation Suit seeking GH¢20 million in damages against two media outlets and broadcaster Salifu Maase over allegations linking him to an alleged plot to disrupt electricity supply in parts of the Ashanti Region.
The Defamation Suit, filed through Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, names TV XYZ, Power FM and Mugabe Maase as defendants.
According to court documents, the allegations were aired during the “Inside Politics” programme broadcast on TV XYZ and Power 97.9 FM. During the show, an audio recording from an anonymous source allegedly claimed that Dr. Opoku Prempeh paid district engineers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region to deliberately cut power to some communities.
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The recording reportedly alleged that engineers and political figures met, received payments, and were instructed to switch off electricity in selected areas.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh insists the claims are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory. He argues that the accusations portray him as engaging in unlawful conduct and acting against Ghana’s national interest.
The former minister says the Defamation Suit has become necessary to protect a reputation he built over many years of dedicated public service.
In the writ, Napo is asking the court to declare that statements broadcast on May 4, 2026, were defamatory.
He is also seeking:
- An unqualified retraction and apology to be published with equal prominence within seven days of judgment
- A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from publishing similar allegations
- An order preventing the media platforms from being used to spread false and malicious claims
Legal costs and any other relief the court considers appropriate
The GH¢20 million Defamation Suit underscores the seriousness with which the former Energy Minister is pursuing the matter.
Meanwhile, John Abdulai Jinapor has issued a firm warning that the government will deal decisively with anyone attempting to sabotage Ghana’s electricity supply system.
Speaking during a working tour of energy project sites in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Jinapor assured officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana of the government’s unwavering support while demanding accountability and top performance.
“So please give me your best, and we will support you in any way we can, but let nobody sabotage the system. Don’t take me there, it will be very rough for both of us,” he warned.
The minister expressed strong confidence in Ghanaian engineers, citing the rapid emergency repairs at Akosombo Dam as proof of local expertise.
“I have no doubt about Ghanaian technology and engineers.”
As part of the tour, Dr. Jinapor inspected transformer upgrade works at Anwomaso and visited major energy facilities, including CENIT Energy and ASKA Power Thermal.