Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jr has stated that Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin could suffer severe damage to his credibility if he loses his defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi.

The comments come amid a public dispute between Mr Afenyo-Markin and Mr Gyamfi over allegations of extortion and an alleged smear campaign.

Sammy Gyamfi has accused Mr Afenyo-Markin of leading what he described as a smear campaign against him and linked the alleged campaign to claims of extortion.

Afenyo-Markin has denied the allegations and subsequently filed a defamation suit against Mr Gyamfi, Eric Agyei and some media houses.

Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Wednesday, August 26, Kwesi Pratt said the outcome of the case could either vindicate or seriously damage the Minority Leader.

“If the courts hold that he has been defamed and takes measures to repair the damage done to him and so on, maybe it will be positive. On the other hand, if the court does not rule for him, it’s finished. It’s destroyed forever,” he said.

The veteran journalist said Afenyo-Markin, being a lawyer, would have understood the risks involved before deciding to take the matter to court.

He noted that Sammy Gyamfi had publicly maintained confidence in his position and had challenged the Minority Leader to take the matter before the courts.

Mr Pratt also questioned the decision by Mr Afenyo-Markin to include media organisations in the suit, particularly Joy and Peace FM.

“I’ve read the writ, and there’s something which is most instructive. The Minority Leader goes to court and says, ‘I’m not just suing Sammy Gyamfi. I’m also suing Joy, the media platforms, both Peace FM and Joy,’” he said.