Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD and veteran broadcaster, Dr. Randy Abbey, has initiated a defamation case against the opposition NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, aka Abronye DC.
Filed yesterday (August 26, 2025, the lawsuit demands GH¢20 million in damages over allegedly false, malicious, and defamatory comments made by Abronye in a public broadcast.
Court documents show Abronye accused Dr. Abbey of misusing public resources and engaging in corrupt activities at COCOBOD. During a broadcast shared on social media, Abronye claimed Dr. Abbey utilized state assets—including multiple Land Cruisers—to transport a personal chair from Accra to cocoa farms for visits, supposedly because he refused to use chairs provided by farmers.
Abronye also alleged Abbey manipulated internal appointments to facilitate embezzlement of public funds. The suit, filed by COCOBOD’s Legal Department, includes claims that the statements damaged Abbey’s reputation, leading to public scorn and contempt. The lawsuit seeks:
– A ruling that Abronye’s statements are defamatory
– A full retraction and apology published across all platforms
– Removal of defamatory content from the internet
– GH¢20 million in general, punitive, and compensatory damages
– A permanent injunction against further defamatory publications
– Legal costs and other court-deemed relief
Dr. Abbey asserts the allegations are baseless and intended to harm his professional reputation. His legal team stresses that public commentary should be truth-based and accountable, especially regarding public officials. Abronye hasn’t publicly responded to the suit. Notably, Forestry Commission Acting CEO Hugh Clement A. Brown also filed a defamation suit against Kwame Baffoe in July, seeking GH¢20 million in damages.
