Martha Ankomah’s ¢5m defamation case against Lilwin to proceed
Popular Kumawood actor and comedian Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, has suffered a legal setback as the Accra High Court dismissed his request to temporarily halt proceedings in a GH¢5 million defamation suit filed against him by actress Martha Ankomah.
The court, presided over by Justice Forson Baah Agyapong, rejected Lilwin’s application for a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an interlocutory appeal currently before the Court of Appeal. The court further awarded GH¢5,000 in costs against the actor.
Lilwin’s legal team had argued that the High Court proceedings in Accra should be paused until the appellate court rules on their challenge regarding the jurisdiction and venue of the case. According to the team, since their client resides in Kumasi, the matter should rightfully be heard there.
However, lawyers for Martha Ankomah, led by Nii Appiatu Plange, strongly opposed the motion, describing it as a deliberate attempt to delay the trial. Mr. Plange told the court that there had been no significant progress on the interlocutory appeal and argued that Lilwin had failed to demonstrate any “exceptional circumstances” warranting a suspension of the proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Agyapong emphasized the lack of merit in the application, stating, “The court is of the considered view that no exceptional circumstance has been professed.” He concluded that the attempt to stay proceedings was unfounded and that the case must proceed.
The defamation suit stems from alleged public statements made by Lilwin which, according to Martha Ankomah, seriously damaged her reputation. Details of the comments in question have not been publicly disclosed, but sources indicate they may have been made during a media interview or via social media.
Previous attempts at an out-of-court settlement have reportedly failed, paving the way for the matter to be determined through a full trial. The court has adjourned the case to Monday, June 9, 2025, when it will resume hearing the main matter. Audiovisual evidence is expected to be presented in open court, marking a significant phase in the high-profile legal battle between two prominent figures in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
