An Accra High Court has dismissed the copyright lawsuit against notable Ghanaian producer, Hammer and rapper, Obrafour, filed by Mantse Aryeequaye, the founder of the Chalewote Street Art Festival.
In January this year, Mantse sued rapper Obrafour born Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko, and producer Edward Nana Poku Osei popularly known as Hammer for allegedly claiming sole ownership of the famous ‘killer cut blood’ phrase used in the popular song ‘Oye Ohene’.
The Accra High Court, presided by Justice John Eugene Nyanteh Nyadu on Thursday, February 15, struck the case citing technicalities.
The court observed that Mantse had filed separate claims against the producer and rapper, leading to the dismissal.
The Lawyer for Obrafour, Bobby Banson in an interview with Joy Entertainment noted that he identified the technical loopholes.
According to him, “he should not have sued Obrafour and Hammer for different causes of actions (claims) but he did and the law is the law. So, I asked the case to be struck out and the court agreed”.
He explained that the defendants(Hammer and Obrafour) had to be treated as separate persons in two separate suits.
The lawyer also confirmed that an amount of GH₵10,000 has been awarded against Mantse.
Despite the setback, a spokesperson for the Chalewote Street Art Festival founder stated that they are undeterred by the court’s decision.
Anny Osabutey noted that the court ruled that Obrafour and Hammer had to be sued separately, even though it was a similar case.
He affirmed their commitment to pursuing the matter stating “I have been informed that a cost of GHS10,000 was awarded against us but Mantse will go again”.