Stratcon Energy and Trading Ltd, a prominent bulk oil distribution and trading company, together with its Chief Executive Officer, Harry Campbell, has filed a defamation suit against Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, at the Accra High Court.
The plaintiffs are seeking GHS 22 million in general damages for what they describe as “false, malicious, reckless and defamatory publications” by Mr. Simons. They argue that the statements in question were intended to damage their professional reputation and expose them to public ridicule and contempt.
The legal action, filed on Tuesday, July 23, also requests the court to issue a perpetual injunction to prevent Mr. Simons from making or facilitating further defamatory statements against Stratcon and its CEO. Additionally, the plaintiffs are demanding a full retraction and an unqualified public apology to be published on the same platform where the alleged defamatory statements were made, with equal prominence.
According to court documents obtained by EnergyCrossroad.com, the suit revolves around a series of posts made by Mr. Simons on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. The plaintiffs contend that the posts contain defamatory remarks that question Mr. Campbell’s qualifications and credibility and suggest undue political influence in the awarding of emergency fuel supply contracts.
One excerpt cited in the writ reads:
“There have been reports that Harry Campbell of Stratcon was somehow ‘imposed’ on the emergency fuel supply system. I recall that when Harry Campbell tried to break into Liberia, analysts there quickly established that he was exaggerating his standing in Ghana. The question is: how did he come into the equation in the first place?”
In the same thread, dated January 8, 2025, Mr. Simons raised concerns about the management of fuel reserves and alleged political interference in emergency energy supply arrangements. The plaintiffs argue that these statements falsely imply unethical conduct and have harmed their personal and corporate reputations.
They further maintain that Mr. Simons’ remarks have negatively impacted Stratcon’s business prospects and relationships, citing public and media reactions to the posts, including quote tweets, comments, and citations.
Stratcon and Mr. Campbell are urging the court to take into account the widespread dissemination and potential damage caused by the posts, and to compel Mr. Simons to publicly retract the allegations.
The case has drawn attention amid broader debates over transparency and
political influence in Ghana’s energy sector. A copy of the writ of summons has been attached to the filing.
