In a latest development, the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, has resorted to the Courts to facilitate the service of the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim on defendant Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor in a defamation case.
After multiple failed attempts to locate and serve Barker-Vormawor, the Minister seeks substituted service through a motion filed with the Court.
The motion, titled “Motion Ex-Parte For An Order For Substitued Service”, requests the Court to order substituted service on the defendant.
It also seeks any further orders deemed fit by the Court.
The Minister’s counsel, Bright Okyere-Adjekum, will argue the motion on behalf of Mr. Kan Dapaah.
A supporting affidavit submitted by the Minister explains the difficulties in serving the defendant personally.
According to Mr. Kan Dapaah, he is unaware of Barker-Vormawor’s place of abode, and attempts to serve him at his workplace have been unsuccessful.
Attached to the affidavit are copies of the Affidavit of Non-Service and a Search Result, further validating the Minister’s claims.
In the motion, the Minister proposes that copies of the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim be posted on the Notice Board of the Court for a period of 14 days. Additionally, he suggests a single publication in the Daily Graphic newspaper. These actions are seen as a way to reach the defendant and ensure proper service.
The Court is expected to hear the Motion Ex-Parte on Friday, 27th October, 2023.
This development comes after Mr. Kan Dapaah issued a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim against Barker-Vormawor on 26th September, 2023.
The suit seeks various reliefs, including a declaration of defamation, recovery of damages, an apology, and a perpetual injunction.
The case between Mr. Kan Dapaah and Barker-Vormawor has garnered significant attention due to its connection with the “Fix the Country” movement.
The defendant had alleged Kan Dapaah and other public officers met and offered him $1 million and employment opportunities to stop his activism, a claim the minister had dismissed as unfounded.
By Vincent Kubi