Lawsuits, kidnappings, and abuse have slowed me down – Bongo Ideas laments

Controversial Ghanaian social media commentator and blogger, Bongo Ideas, has voiced his frustration over the numerous challenges he has faced in recent years, stating that lawsuits, threats, and even kidnapping attempts have significantly hindered his progress.

In a recent social media post, Bongo Ideas, known for his outspoken and often polarising opinions, lamented how his bold statements and fearless critiques have made him a target for legal battles, intimidation, and personal attacks. He claimed that these setbacks have not only affected his career but also taken a toll on his personal well-being.

Responding to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who inquired about the source of certain information he had shared, he wrote:

Hmmm. I actually used to be the most credible source of info until recently. Lawsuits, kidnappings, and abuse have slowed me down.

Bongo Ideas' sharp tongue has frequently landed him in trouble, and his history of controversial statements about public figures has made him a subject of both legal and physical confrontations.

In March 2024, reports surfaced that security operatives had arrested Bongo Ideas at his home after he made a series of unpleasant remarks about Akufo-Addo and Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

However, in a press statement released on 15 March 2024, the Ghana Police Service denied any involvement in his alleged arrest.

Despite the police's statement, Bongo Ideas gave a different account when he spoke to German broadcaster DW Africa. He claimed that unknown men had broken into his home and threatened to kill him.

On 14th March 2024, around 3 am, some men masquerading as police officers broke into my room and dragged me out. I was threatened with death, pistols were pointed at my head. I was told to say my last prayers. They beat me up and warned me never to speak about the President again, he recounted.

Bongo Ideas has also been entangled in multiple legal battles. On 17 May 2023, financial analyst Kojo Forex filed an amended statement of claim in court, accusing Bongo Ideas of libel and seeking GH₵1,000,000 in damages.

After reviewing the evidence presented, Justice Forson Agyapong Baah of the Accra High Court, Jurisdiction 2, delivered a ruling on 28 January 2025. The court awarded Kojo Forex GH₵100,000 in general damages, along with an additional GH₵50,000 for aggravated, exemplary, and compensatory damages. Furthermore, Bongo Ideas was ordered to pay GH₵20,000 in legal costs.

In addition to the financial penalties, the court ordered Bongo Ideas to publicly apologise for the defamatory statements and retract them on his X (Twitter) page within 21 days of the judgment. A permanent injunction was also issued, preventing him from making or publishing any further defamatory statements about Kojo Forex.