Professor Ransford Gyampo Demands Retraction and Apology from Dr. George Domfeh Over Defamatory Remark on University of Ghana TV Clash

Updated: November 17, 2025 | University of Ghana lecturers feud escalates to legal threats after heated TV3 debate.

Introduction

In a striking example of how public academic debates can turn contentious, Professor Ransford Gyampo, a prominent Political Science professor at the University of Ghana (UG) and Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, has formally demanded a retraction and public apology from fellow UG lecturer Dr. George Domfeh. The dispute stems from an alleged defamatory remark made during a live TV3 current affairs program, The Key Point, on November 15, 2025. This incident highlights the risks of inflammatory language in high-profile media appearances and underscores the importance of responsible discourse among academics.

What began as a policy and intellectual disagreement escalated into personal accusations, prompting swift legal action. Professor Gyampo’s representatives argue the statement falsely portrayed him as immoral, damaging his reputation as a respected national thought leader. This case serves as a pedagogical lesson on defamation in public forums, media ethics, and conflict resolution in Ghanaian academia.

Analysis

The core of this University of Ghana lecturers feud revolves around a televised altercation that nearly turned physical, as reported in related coverage. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, both professors appeared as panelists on TV3’s The Key Point, discussing policy matters. Tensions boiled over when Dr. Domfeh allegedly stated that Professor Gyampo is “a Professor who sleeps with under-age ladies.”

The Alleged Statement and Its Interpretation

According to the legal notice served on November 16, 2025, by solicitors Darko, Keli-Delataa & Company on behalf of Professor Gyampo, this remark was broadcast on a widely viewed national platform. The lawyers contend that the statement was interpreted by many viewers as accusing Professor Gyampo of pedophilia—a grave and unfounded allegation. They describe it as “reckless, patently false, and malicious,” lacking any factual or legal basis.

Escalation from TV Debate to Legal Demand

The on-air exchange was marked by “acerbic, insulting, and downright defamatory” rhetoric, per the legal letter. Eyewitness accounts and media reports noted near-fisticuffs, emphasizing the public nature of the clash. Professor Gyampo’s team highlights the harm to his professional image, given his roles in academia and public service. The demand requires Dr. Domfeh to issue a retraction and apology within 24 hours, published on an equivalently prominent TV3 platform.

Broader Context in Ghanaian Media and Academia

Such incidents are not isolated in Ghana’s vibrant media landscape, where panel discussions often feature sharp critiques. However, crossing into personal attacks raises questions about journalistic standards and participant accountability. This analysis pedagogically illustrates how emotional policy debates can veer into reputational sabotage, affecting public trust in intellectuals.

Summary

Professor Ransford Gyampo has engaged lawyers to demand that Dr. George Domfeh retract an alleged defamatory remark from their November 15, 2025, TV3 Key Point appearance and issue a public apology within 24 hours. The claim—that Gyampo “sleeps with under-age ladies”—is deemed by solicitors as implying pedophilia, causing irreparable harm to his reputation. Non-compliance threatens legal action. This summary captures the essentials of the University of Ghana professors’ public feud.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For academics, media panelists, and public figures engaging in debates, this case offers actionable guidance on maintaining professionalism amid heated exchanges.

Preparing for Public Appearances

Before joining programs like TV3’s Key Point, review talking points to focus on policy over personalities. Practice responses to provocations, emphasizing evidence-based arguments. Record sessions if possible for verification.

Responding to Accusations

If faced with potentially defamatory claims, remain composed on air. Follow up privately first, then escalate to formal notices if needed. Consult legal experts immediately, as Professor Gyampo did, to document and demand corrections swiftly.

Building a Strong Reputation

Cultivate a track record of ethical conduct. Engage in transparent public service, like Gyampo’s roles, to bolster defenses against smears. Use social media for positive narratives, countering misinformation proactively.

Points of Caution

Public statements carry lasting consequences, especially on national TV.

Risks of Inflammatory Language

Remarks like the alleged one can be misconstrued, leading to legal battles. In Ghana, where media reach is vast, a single phrase can tarnish decades of work.

Media Platform Responsibilities

Broadcasters must moderate debates to prevent defamation. Panelists should fact-check claims live or post-broadcast.

Personal and Professional Fallout

Feuds like this University of Ghana lecturers dispute can divide institutions, erode collegiality, and invite public scrutiny. Always prioritize verifiable facts over ad hominem attacks.

Comparison

This incident echoes prior high-profile academic-media clashes in Ghana.

Similar Cases in Ghanaian Academia

In 2023, a UG faculty dispute over election commentary led to internal probes but no public legal demands. Unlike Gyampo-Domfeh, it stayed off-air. Another 2024 TV3 debate saw economists trade barbs without personal allegations, resolving amicably.

International Parallels

Globally, U.S. academics have sued over Fox News smears, while UK cases under defamation laws mirror Ghana’s. Gyampo’s swift legal response aligns with best practices, contrasting delayed reactions in less formalized disputes.

Key difference: The pedophilia implication elevates this to criminal defamation territory, per Ghanaian law, unlike mere policy disagreements.

Legal Implications

Defamation is actionable under Ghanaian law, making this dispute legally significant.

Criminal and Civil Defamation in Ghana

The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Section 208 criminalizes defamatory libel, punishable by fines or imprisonment. Civilly, the Courts Act allows damages for reputational harm. Professor Gyampo’s notice invokes both, demanding retraction to mitigate damages.

Proof and Defenses

Claimants must prove falsity, publication, and harm—elements met here via broadcast evidence. Truth or fair comment defenses apply, but solicitors assert none hold, as the allegation is “patently false.” Failure to retract strengthens malice claims.

Media and Free Speech Balance

Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution protects press freedom, but not at reputational expense. Courts often order apologies in similar TV defamation suits, as demanded here.

Conclusion

The demand by Professor Ransford Gyampo for retraction and apology from Dr. George Domfeh exemplifies the perils of unchecked rhetoric in Ghana’s public discourse. Rooted in a November 15, 2025, TV3 clash, this University of Ghana feud underscores the need for factual, respectful debate. As legal proceedings loom, it pedagogically reminds academics and media of accountability. Resolution via apology could restore harmony; otherwise, courts will arbitrate. This case reinforces that reputations, once damaged, require vigilant protection in the digital age.

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