The defamation suit filed by former Black Stars defender John Paintsil against sports broadcaster Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as “Songo”, took another significant step on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as lawyers commenced the cross-examination of the defendant at the High Court General Jurisdiction 13.
Proceedings centered on the testimony of Patrick Osei Agyemang, who is defending himself against allegations of defamation brought by the former Ghana international. Counsel for the plaintiff, John Paintsil, began questioning the veteran broadcaster in an effort to challenge aspects of his evidence before the court.
The cross-examination formed part of the ongoing legal battle between the broadcaster and the former national star who is now the assistant coach of the Black Stars, a case that has attracted considerable attention within Ghana’s football and media circles due to the prominence of John Paintsil.
During Wednesday’s sitting, counsel for John Paintsil was unable to conclude the cross-examination of the defendant before the court rose. As a result, the matter remains part-heard and will continue at a later date.
The presiding judge subsequently adjourned the case to July 8, 2026, when Patrick Osei Agyemang is expected to return to the witness box for the continuation of his cross-examination.
The outcome of the proceedings is being closely followed by stakeholders in the sports and media industries, as the court continues to hear evidence in determining the merits of the defamation claims before it.
Prior to the commencement of cross-examination, John Paintsil rejected a GHS100,000 settlement offer, describing it as “disrespectful.” The former right-back who previously played for West Ham United, Leicester City and Fulham, is pursuing a major defamation action over alleged defamatory comments made on Multimedia platforms, seeking GHS25 million in total damages: GHS5 million from Patrick Osei Agyemang and GHS20 million from the Multimedia Group Limited.
In the wake of the lawsuit, Patrick Osei Agyemang was taken off air by the Multimedia Group for over a year, a development that generated significant public debate. However, sources close to the broadcaster indicate that the outspoken presenter is expected to return to the microphone this month.
The Paintsil case represents the second major defamation suit filed against Patrick Osei Agyemang, following a $2 million defamation and libel action brought against him and the Multimedia Group in 2016 by former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who accused the broadcaster of “years of consistent lies and calculated negative campaigns.”