Lawyers representing Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have affirmed that Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi was validly served with a writ in a defamation suit. Dehyena Chambers, acting for Mr. Afenyo-Markin, stated that Mr. Gyamfi’s lawyers formally accepted the writ on his behalf. This action, they argue, constitutes proper legal service under Ghanaian law.
The clarification from Dehyena Chambers addresses earlier reports suggesting Mr. Gyamfi was delaying or avoiding service. Mr. Gyamfi’s lawyers, Ayine & Partners, had initially notified the High Court of their authority to accept the writ. However, they later returned the document, claiming their client had changed his mind. This sequence of events has led to a dispute over the validity of the service.
This legal dispute unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political and economic scrutiny in Ghana. The defamation suit stems from comments Mr. Gyamfi made regarding the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Such high-profile legal battles often draw significant public attention, impacting political discourse and potentially influencing market perceptions of stability. The case highlights the intense political climate surrounding key economic initiatives.
Dehyena Chambers cited Order 7, Rule 12(2) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47). This rule states that service on a lawyer who has undertaken in writing to accept service on behalf of a defendant is deemed valid. The lawyers maintain that Mr. Gyamfi’s initial authorisation to Ayine & Partners to accept service makes the process legally complete. They urged those disputing the service to desist, pointing to official court records.
The immediate implication is that the defamation suit against Mr. Gyamfi is likely to proceed, regardless of the returned writ. Mr. Gyamfi is now legally required to file his appearance and defence in court. This development will be closely watched by political observers and the public. The outcome could set precedents for how high-profile individuals handle legal processes in Ghana. It also underscores the importance of legal technicalities in court proceedings.
The suit was filed by Mr. Afenyo-Markin on August 24, 2026, following comments made by Mr. Gyamfi on August 22, 2026. Mr. Gyamfi allegedly described Mr. Afenyo-Markin as an “extortionist” during a discussion about GoldBod and reported losses. Mr. Afenyo-Markin seeks damages, a retraction, an apology, and an injunction against further defamatory statements. The case also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant.
The dispute over service began when Ayine & Partners wrote to the High Court Registrar on August 26, 2026, confirming their authority to accept service. A court bailiff subsequently served the writ on the law firm. However, on August 27, 2026, Mr. Gyamfi’s lawyers returned the writ, stating their client had changed his mind. An attempt to serve Mr. Gyamfi personally at his office was reportedly unsuccessful, with security personnel refusing the bailiff entry.
Dehyena Chambers firmly rejects any claims that Mr. Afenyo-Markin is avoiding service. They argue that the rules of civil law practice in Ghana clearly establish valid service in this instance. The firm emphasized that once solicitors accept a writ, the defendant is legally fixed with knowledge of the suit. This means Mr. Gyamfi must now respond to the court’s processes. The substantive case remains to be heard by the High Court.