Afenyo-Markin’s lawyers accuse Sammy Gyamfi of refusing personal service of writ

Dehyena Chambers, representing Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, disputes claims that their client avoided service of legal documents. The firm maintains that Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi has already received valid notice through proper channels.

The defamation writ was filed on August 24, 2026. On August 26, Gyamfi’s law firm Ayine & Partners formally notified the High Court Registry that it possessed authority to accept service on the defendant’s behalf. A bailiff subsequently delivered the writ to these lawyers.

However, Gyamfi’s legal team reversed course the following day, returning the document and withdrawing their acceptance of service. When the bailiff attempted direct delivery at Gyamfi’s office, he allegedly refused to accept it and had security personnel remove the official.

Afenyo-Markin’s counsel argues that under Ghanaian civil procedure, the court registry bears responsibility for service, not the plaintiff. They cite Order 7, Rule 12(2) of the High Court Rules, stating that “a writ is duly served when delivered to a lawyer who has undertaken in writing to accept service on behalf of a client.”

The underlying dispute stems from public exchanges over Ghana Gold Board and losses related to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Afenyo-Markin announced parliamentary proceedings seeking GH¢15 million in damages plus retractions from Gyamfi and media organisations over characterisations describing him as an “extortionist.”

The Office of the Special Prosecutor indicated it will evaluate extortion allegations independently to determine jurisdictional applicability.