An Accra High Court has granted an order for substituted service on former GBC broadcast journalist Veronica Commey after being sued by Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil for defamation.
John Paintsil, has initiated legal action against journalists Veronica Commey, Saddick Adams, Patrick Osei Agyemang (popularly known as Songo), and Christopher Nimley.
The lawsuit stems from allegations made by the journalists on various radio programs, accusing Paintsil of forging his CAF Coaching certificate.
Paintsil has filed a defamation suit against the four journalists and the media platforms on which the alleged defamatory statements were broadcast.
The Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim have been successfully served on Saddick Adams, Patrick Osei Agyemang, and Christopher Nimley.
However, efforts to serve Veronica Commey were met with significant challenges.
According to reports, Veronica Commey had been evasive and difficult to reach by the court bailiff in an attempt to avoid being served the processes personally.
This behaviour prompted Lawyers for the Black Stars legend to apply to the court to serve the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim on Veronica Commey by substituted means to ensure the writ comes to her notice.
John Paintsil is being represented by WTS Nobisfields Ghana, a prestigious international law firm that is part of WTS Global, a renowned network operating in approximately 100 countries worldwide.
After several unsuccessful attempts to serve Veronica Commey, the court has granted an order for a substituted service. The rules of court allow for alternative methods of serving court documents when standard procedures fail.
The specifics of the substituted service order will ensure that Commey is made aware of the lawsuit through Whatsapp, X, and Facebook. The Court also ordered that the Writ of Summons and the Statement of Claim be posted on the Court’s notice board and a conspicuous part of GBC’s premises.
The allegations made by the journalists have serious implications for John Paintsil’s professional reputation. As an assistant coach for the Ghana Black Stars, his credentials and integrity are crucial. Paintsil has maintained that the accusations are baseless and has taken the legal route to clear his name.
The court’s decision to grant an order of substituted service highlights the importance of due process and ensuring that all parties involved in legal disputes are adequately informed.
Veronica Commey, along with the other defendants, will now have the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.
This case underscores the critical role of journalists in verifying information before broadcasting potentially damaging statements. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have significant implications for media practices and the accountability of journalists in Ghana.