Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has sued fellow actor and comedian Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, at the High Court in Accra over alleged defamatory comments in a viral social media video, demanding GH¢10 million in exemplary damages.
In a writ of summons and statement of claim dated October 10, 2026, Van Vicker alleges that the publication damaged his reputation by portraying him as dishonest, unprofessional and unfit to work in the Kumawood movie industry.
The suit centres on a video allegedly published on TikTok and Facebook on August 13, 2026, under the headline: “LIL WIN BANS VAN VICKER FROM ACTING IN KUMASI!”
Van Vicker contends that the publication went beyond a disagreement between colleagues and exposed him to public ridicule, embarrassment and reputational damage.
In paragraph 22 of his statement of claim, he argues that the alleged defamatory statements have seriously injured his reputation and brought him into “public scandal, odium, contempt and ridicule”.
He further claims that the publication has triggered calls and inquiries from prominent actors, film producers and directors seeking clarification about the allegations.
Allegations contained in the video
The statement of claim reproduces portions of the video, originally delivered in Twi, alongside an English translation.
According to the translation contained in the court documents, Lil Win allegedly accused Van Vicker of lying about him and failing to fulfil professional obligations relating to a film production.
One section of the alleged video states: “Our own brother, Van Vicker has lied again against me.”
The transcript also attributes to Lil Win claims that Van Vicker failed to respond to telephone calls and did not complete work expected of him.
In another section, the defendant is quoted as saying: “You did not try at all. That is PM and Director. Ask them. You failed to do the work.”
Van Vicker further alleges that Lil Win threatened to exclude him from an upcoming film project, Journey to Africa, if he failed to address the issues raised.
The plaintiff disputes the allegations, arguing that the statements, in their ordinary meaning, portrayed him as a dishonest professional who accepts acting roles but fails to honour his commitments.
He also contends that the publication suggested he had been banned from working in Kumawood and had engaged in questionable professional conduct.
The claims contained in the suit remain allegations and have not been established by a court.
Van Vicker alleges damage to career and reputation
In his statement of claim, Van Vicker rejects the accusations and maintains that he has conducted himself professionally throughout his career as an actor, film producer and director.
He describes himself as an established figure in Ghana’s film industry, with experience spanning English-language productions and Kumawood.
The actor argues that the publication has undermined the reputation he has built over the years and created uncertainty about his willingness and ability to work in Kumasi.
Paragraph 30 of the statement of claim alleges that the controversy has already affected his professional opportunities, with some producers reportedly becoming uncertain about his availability to work in the Ashanti Regional capital.
He also claims that the alleged threat to prevent him from travelling to Kumasi or practising his profession there has caused him fear and anxiety.
According to the court documents, Van Vicker has had to cancel planned business trips to Kumasi because of concerns about the public reaction to the controversy.
He further argues that the continued circulation of the video could cause additional harm to his professional reputation.
GH¢10 million damages and public apology
Van Vicker is asking the High Court to declare the statements identified in the suit defamatory and libellous.
His principal demands include:
- GH¢10 million in exemplary damages for the alleged defamatory publication.
- General damages for libel.
- A public retraction and apology.
- Legal costs.
The statement of claim specifies that the retraction and apology should be published on news portals with the same prominence as the original publications for four consecutive weeks.
The reliefs sought include “exemplary damages in the sum of GH¢10,000,000.00 (Ten million Ghana Cedis) for the defamatory publication”.
He is also seeking an order for “a retraction and apology on news portals with the same prominence as the publications for four (4) consecutive weeks”.
The suit was filed through Ebenezer Asare of Troth Legal, whose office is located at Westland Boulevard Road, West Legon, Accra.
Lil Win given eight days to enter appearance
The writ of summons directs Lil Win to enter an appearance within eight days after service of the summons, inclusive of the day of service.
It warns that failure to comply could result in judgment being entered against him in his absence.
However, the filing of the suit does not establish liability for defamation. The allegations and arguments presented by Van Vicker remain subject to determination by the court.
The case brings a dispute between two prominent figures in Ghana’s film industry before the courts, with Van Vicker seeking financial compensation and a public correction of statements he says have damaged his reputation.
