A former deputy minister and ex-member of parliament, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, has launched a legal battle against a social media user over alleged defamatory remarks made against her on TikTok and other platforms.

In a lawsuit filed at the High Court, Asiamah-Adjei is demanding GH₵5 million in damages for what she describes as a calculated attempt to tarnish her reputation.

According to court documents, the defendant, Sophia Ocansey, who doubles as CEO of S.O Herbal Centre, allegedly made a series of false and malicious claims about Asiamah-Adjei, which quickly gained traction on social media.

“Defendant during some of these live sessions and videos circulating online, made untrue, false, malicious, vexatious, defamatory and unfounded statements against the plaintiff purposefully geared towards damaging and tarnishing the hard-won reputation of the plaintiff which statements in fact have damaged the reputation of the plaintiff,” the writ said.

“In the months of January and February 2025, the defendant in two of her live sessions on TikTok with the purpose to defame the plaintiff broadcasted and published” defamatory words touching on the plaintiff, the writ added.

The former deputy minister argues that the statements have caused significant damage to her reputation, both personally and professionally.

Asiamah-Adjei, who served as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, is also seeking a retraction and an unconditional apology from the defendant.

Her lawyers contend that the defamatory statements have subjected her to public ridicule and eroded her standing in both political and business circles. The lawsuit calls for punitive measures to deter the spread of false information on social media, a growing concern in Ghana’s evolving digital landscape.

With social media defamation cases on the rise, legal experts say this case could set an important precedent in regulating online speech and protecting individuals from reputational damage.

The High Court is expected to set a date for the first hearing in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Asiamah-Adjei, has threatened legal action against journalist Kwaku Annan over what she describes as “malicious, untrue and purposely calculated” allegations made against her on his programme.

In a cease-and-desist letter issued by her lawyers, the former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry dismissed claims aired on Annan’s show, The Frontline, in which he alleged that she had been declared wanted by the Ghana Police in connection with a crime involving the publication of nudity.

“You further asserted that our client is a fugitive from justice and is engaged in immoral conduct frowned upon by society amidst several other wild allegations which are untrue,” the letter, issued by legal firm Sima Consultancy, stated.

Asiamah-Adjei, who previously represented the Akuapem North constituency, has denied all allegations, insisting that she has “never been engaged in any crime or declared wanted by any investigative body at any point in time in the entirety of her life.”