Supreme Court fines Lil Win GH¢10,000 for absence at defamation hearing

The Supreme Court has imposed a GH¢10,000 fine on Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, for failing to appear at a scheduled court hearing in his ongoing defamation case with actress Martha Ankomah.

The court described the actor’s absence—along with that of his legal team—as unacceptable, particularly at a session where the court was set to consider an application aimed at halting or delaying proceedings in the defamation suit.

The legal battle, which began in 2024, stems from a viral video in which Lil Win allegedly made defamatory statements about Martha Ankomah. In response, the actress filed a GH¢5 million lawsuit seeking damages, a retraction, and a public apology.

Throughout the trial, Lil Win has made several attempts to have the case dismissed or transferred to another jurisdiction. However, the courts have consistently rejected those applications, allowing the matter to proceed in Accra.

Legal observers note that the Supreme Court’s decision to fine the actor reflects a broader judicial effort to enforce discipline, discourage procedural delays, and ensure that high-profile cases move forward without unnecessary interruptions. Courts in Ghana have increasingly taken a strict stance on absenteeism, particularly in matters that attract significant public interest.

Despite the fine, the substantive defamation case remains ongoing, with no final judgment yet reached.

The dispute continues to draw attention within Ghana’s entertainment industry, where it has become one of the most closely watched celebrity legal battles in recent years.