Retired GBC Journalist Selma Ramatu Al-Hassan Slaps Captain Smart, Onua TV with GH¢10m Defamation Suit
Retired Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) journalist Selma Ramatu Al-Hassan has filed a GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit against media personality Captain Smart, Onua TV, and its parent company, Media General, over comments she says have gravely damaged her reputation.
According to court documents, the suit stems from remarks allegedly made by Captain Smart during a broadcast on Onua TV in November 2025, where he reportedly claimed that Al-Hassan had a child out of wedlock with former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Al-Hassan describes the statements as false, malicious, and defamatory, noting that the comments were widely circulated after clips from the programme went viral on social media. She argues that the allegations have subjected her to public ridicule, emotional distress, and reputational harm, particularly given her long-standing career in journalism and public service.
In her suit, the retired journalist is seeking general and aggravated damages amounting to GH¢10 million. She is also asking the court to compel the defendants to issue a public retraction and an unqualified apology across the same platforms used to publish the alleged defamatory remarks.
Additionally, Al-Hassan is requesting a perpetual injunction restraining Captain Smart, Onua TV, and Media General from making or publishing any further defamatory statements against her.
As of the time of filing, neither Captain Smart nor Media General has publicly responded to the lawsuit. The case is expected to reignite conversations around media responsibility, defamation, and ethical broadcasting in Ghana’s media landscape.
