The Forestry Commission Acting CEO has filed a lawsuit against Abronye DC for GH¢20 million in retaliation over an alleged defamation.

Forestry Commission Boss Takes Legal Action Against Abronye DC for GH¢20 Million

Hugh Clement A. Brown, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, has filed a GH¢20 million defamation lawsuit against opposition figure Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.

Mr. Brown filed the suit at the Accra High Court. The legal action follows statements made by Abronye during a July 10, 2025, broadcast on his online platform, OHIA TV. In the segment, Abronye accused Mr. Brown of forging official letters, authorizing illegal forest land sales, and backdating documents to implicate the previous government.

Allegations and Legal Response

Abronye claimed Mr. Brown signed forest entry permit documents in May and June 2024—months before his official appointment in January 2025. He alleged that Brown used those documents to collect money from mining firms and divert public funds.

In his response, Mr. Brown said he had no authority or position in the Commission at the time of the alleged transactions. His legal team insists the accusations were not only factually wrong, but deliberately harmful.

“The statements were made maliciously and without any factual basis,” his lawyers wrote.

They argue that the broadcast falsely portrayed Mr. Brown as a “fraudster,” a “thief,” and someone who “embezzles public funds.” Mr. Brown is seeking GH¢15 million in general damages, GH¢5 million in exemplary damages, and multiple public apologies and retractions.

Reputation at Stake

Mr. Brown brings over three decades of service to the Forestry Commission. He is a PhD holder in Tropical Forest Ecology and has held roles including Director of Operations and Executive Director of the Forest Services Division.

His lawyers emphasized that the defamatory broadcast not only damages his local reputation but could also undermine international trust in his leadership.

Public Apologies Demanded

Mr. Brown wants Abronye to issue televised apologies on major networks including GTV, TV3, Joy TV, and OHIA TV. He also demands printed retractions in the Daily Graphic for four straight weeks and official apologies on all OHIA TV online platforms.

The case adds to growing concerns over the misuse of media platforms for political attacks and personal defamation.