Ibrahim Mahama Sues Bright Simons for GH₵10 Million

Accra, May 29, 2025 – Prominent businessman Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), have filed a defamation lawsuit against Bright Simons, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, seeking GH₵10 million in general damages.

The suit, filed at the Accra High Court, alleges that Mr. Simons published false and damaging statements about Mr. Mahama and E&P on his personal website and social media platforms. According to the plaintiffs, the publications have significantly harmed their reputations and business relationships.

At the heart of the case are claims made by Mr. Simons suggesting that E&P is facing financial difficulties following a temporary suspension of operations at the Damang Mine by Gold Fields, where E&P serves as a contractor. The plaintiffs strongly deny these claims, describing them as baseless and malicious.

The lawsuit also challenges statements implying that Mr. Mahama is exploiting his relationship with his brother, former President John Dramani Mahama, to influence mining policy for personal gain. The plaintiffs argue that such allegations are not only false but were made with the intent to discredit them publicly and damage their credibility in the business community.

“The statements have caused reputational harm, alarmed business partners and financiers, and undermined E&P’s standing in the mining sector,” the suit claims.

In addition to the GH₵10 million in damages, the plaintiffs are seeking:

• A declaration that the statements are defamatory;
• A court order compelling Mr. Simons to issue a full retraction and unqualified apology on the same platforms used for the original publication, as well as in the Daily Graphic for six consecutive days;
• A perpetual injunction preventing Mr. Simons from making further defamatory remarks;
• Legal costs and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

The suit also notes that efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably. On April 22, 2025, lawyers for Mr. Mahama and E&P reportedly demanded a retraction and apology, which Mr. Simons failed to provide.

This legal action marks a significant escalation in tensions between the businessman and the policy analyst, and it is expected to draw considerable public and media attention in the coming weeks.

WRIT