In a recent development at the Accra High Court, a witness has testified in a defamation suit against investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and four others, shedding light on the lack of evidence to support their publications against Lighthouse Chapel International (LCI) and its founder.
During the proceedings at the General Jurisdiction Court, Mr. Marcel Aboagye, a witness of LCI, emphasized that the defendants failed to present any evidence to the court in support of several defamatory allegations made against LCI in their published articles titled “Darkness in a Lighthouse.”
One of the key points raised by the witness was the claim that LCI owed several former church pastors over 42 years of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions. Mr. Aboagye pointed to an SSNIT investigative report dated August 20, 2021, which cleared LCI of these allegations, indicating that the defendants' claims were false and unsubstantiated.
Furthermore, the witness highlighted that the defendants falsely published articles alleging exploitation of former pastors by the church to build worship centers and schools with their resources, which were then illegally taken over by the church. However, the witness referred to a policy announcement from 2008, indicating that LCI would continue to buy and build church buildings as part of its policy, refuting the claims made by the defendants.
Additionally, the witness clarified that the publications falsely claimed mistreatment of a former pastor, Seth Duncan, leading to three suicide attempts, which were unrelated to the church's actions. The witness emphasized that the defendants formed an "unholy alliance" with the former pastors and published these pieces out of malice.
It is evident from the testimony of Mr. Aboagye that the defendants have failed to substantiate their defamatory allegations against Lighthouse Chapel International. The lack of evidence presented in court raises questions about the credibility and veracity of the published articles.
As the case unfolds, it is essential to uphold journalistic integrity and ethical standards in reporting. The matter has been adjourned to May 13, 2024, and further proceedings will shed more light on this defamation suit.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have implications for the involved parties and serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with publishing potentially damaging allegations. It also underscores the importance of thorough research and fact-checking in investigative journalism to avoid unfounded claims and potential legal consequences.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
