Asamoah Gyan fined GH₵1 million for malicious prosecution of a journalist

The Accra High Court has slapped legendary Ghanaian footballer Asamoah Gyan with a total of GH₵1 million in damages for the malicious prosecution of journalist Anthony Sarfo in 2019.

Today, Friday, December 8, 2023, the High Court with the evidence available ruled that Gyan and his manager, Samuel Anim Addo were culpable for falsely accusing Sarfo of extortion and a further unlawful arrest over the publication of an alleged rape incident that involved the former Black Stars all-time top scorer and one Sarah Kwablah.

The court, presided by Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa indicated that the arrest, which was pursued by Aim Addo was to protect Gyan’s image as he was set to complete a move to China.

Therefore, GH₵ 900,000 was awarded to Anthony Sarfo in damages, as well as GH₵ 111,000, which was the total of 111 months he spent outside of work due to the case. His salary was GH₵ 1,000 at the time.

Anim Addo and Asamoah Gyan were both charged GH₵ 60,000, bringing the total to GH₵ 1,071,000.

Anthony Sarfo, who is a journalist, was arrested in 2019 along with four others for attempted extortion after publishing the article that sought to defame the former Black Stars player.

The aforementioned individuals were later acquitted after being found not guilty.

Anthony Sarfo, after his discharge, filed a civil against Gyan and his manager Samuel Anim Addo for malicious prosecution and demanded GH₵ 1 million.