The legal battle between Kumawood actor Lil Win and actress Martha Ankomah has taken a significant turn, as the Supreme Court of Ghana imposed a GH¢10,000 cost on Lil Win for what it described as disrespectful conduct during ongoing proceedings.
The dispute originates from a defamation lawsuit filed on 14 February 2024 at the High Court in Accra. Martha Ankomah is seeking GH¢5 million in damages over remarks made by Lil Win in a viral video. In the footage, the actor alleged that Ankomah had made disparaging comments about the Kumawood film industry to director Frank Fiifi Gharbin, suggesting she viewed its productions as substandard and had therefore refused to work within the sector.
Regarded as a prominent figure in Kumawood, Lil Win responded with a series of strongly worded statements, accusing Ankomah of disrespect. His remarks drew widespread criticism, with many describing them as inflammatory and derogatory.
Efforts to resolve the matter appeared to gain ground in February 2025, when both parties reportedly reached a settlement agreement. However, the process stalled after Lil Win allegedly failed to comply with the agreed terms and initiated further legal actions that delayed proceedings.
During a hearing on 1 April 2025, where Lil Win was expected to present a formal apology for the court’s approval as part of the settlement, neither he nor his legal representatives appeared. This absence prompted the High Court to issue a final warning on 15 April, directing him to attend subsequent hearings or face sanctions.
The case escalated through the judicial system following a series of applications. After an initial motion was dismissed, Lil Win sought a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal, but the request was rejected. He subsequently took the matter to the Supreme Court, where it was scheduled for hearing on 31 March 2026.
Reports indicate that Lil Win and his legal team again failed to appear before the court. The Supreme Court panel, expressing displeasure at his absence, ordered him to pay GH¢10,000 in costs to Martha Ankomah, describing his conduct as disrespectful.
This latest development comes despite earlier indications that both parties were making progress toward another possible settlement in what has become a protracted legal dispute.
