The suit, filed at the Accra High Court, follows what Dr. Hamid describes as a “malicious and unfounded” publication by the OSP that allegedly portrayed him as being involved in corrupt activities.
According to court documents, the former NPA boss contends that the OSP’s public statement suggesting that he was under investigation for bribery and procurement-related offences was false and has gravely tarnished his image and reputation.
Dr. Hamid, a respected academic and former Information Minister, insists that no such act of corruption has ever been established against him, and that the OSP’s actions have caused him “severe emotional distress, reputational damage, and public ridicule.”
He is therefore asking the court to order the OSP to retract the statement and issue an unqualified public apology with the same prominence as the alleged defamatory publication.
In addition to the ₵20 million in general damages, Dr. Hamid is also seeking punitive costs against the OSP to “deter similar reckless conduct in the future.”
The OSP, led by Kissi Agyebeng, has yet to respond publicly to the suit. However, legal analysts say the case could test the limits of the OSP’s powers in public communication and accountability regarding ongoing investigations.
Dr. Hamid’s lawsuit has already sparked intense debate within political and legal circles, with some viewing it as a bold step to protect personal integrity, while others see it as a potential attempt to muzzle an anti-corruption institution.
The High Court is expected to fix a date for the first hearing in the coming days.
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