Bright Simons, Vice President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, has vowed to vigorously contest a defamation lawsuit filed against him by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, calling it a strategic move to suppress public scrutiny.
In a statement released Thursday, Simons denounced the lawsuit as a SLAPP—a strategic lawsuit against public participation—arguing that its real aim is to intimidate critics and chill free expression.
“The statements cited in the lawsuit are far from defamatory,” Simons asserted. “Mr. Mahama’s legal team is twisting plain language into something it was never meant to be.”
The suit, filed on May 28 at the Accra High Court, stems from Simons’ April 19 article titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine,” published on his website and shared widely on X (formerly Twitter). The piece discusses financial struggles allegedly faced by Mahama’s company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), following operational cutbacks at the Damang gold mine run by Gold Fields. Simons claimed some creditors were frustrated over delayed payments, remarks Mahama’s lawyers say damaged both his personal and professional reputation. They are seeking GHS10 million in damages, a public apology, and a gag order on further commentary.
Simons countered that the article was grounded in publicly available data and industry insights, including production shortfalls and reported loan issues. He defended his use of the phrase “up in arms” as a common idiom expressing dissatisfaction—not a defamatory accusation.
He also signaled readiness to call witnesses, including creditors, to substantiate his claims. “We’ll subpoena those concerned if necessary,” Simons said.
“The facts are on our side, and the public deserves transparency—especially when influential figures and companies are intertwined with state resources.”
Simons argued that the lawsuit exemplifies how powerful entities use legal threats to deter legitimate critique.
“The fear of lawsuits is stifling important conversations in Ghana,” he warned. “But I won’t back down. Accountability is not a sprint—it’s a marathon.”
