Story by Paul Mensah Nsor
Wilberforce Asare, Head of the Political Desk at Asaase Radio, says he will vigorously defend himself after officials from the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) filed complaints accusing him of attempted extortion, threat of harm and publication of false news.
Asare told reporters he has been invited repeatedly to police headquarters over the past six weeks in relation to the complaint brought by MIIF CEO Justina Nelson and MIIF communications director Charles Benoni. He said police recently indicated they plan to formally charge him and that he and his legal team are prepared to take the matter to court.
Asare denied the allegations of extortion and publication of falsehoods, saying he has documentary evidence to refute the claims. He told investigators that two journalists contacted him during his reporting on MIIF, claiming to act on behalf of Nelson and offering sums he says he rejected. Asare maintained there is no record of him receiving any money or engaging directly with Nelson.
Regarding Benoni, Asare said Benoni arranged to speak with him through an intermediary and that the conversation may have been recorded. Asare said he warned Benoni that if it emerged the conversation had been recorded without consent he would publicize that breach of trust.
Asare framed the impending legal action as a test of press freedom, saying journalists must resist attempts to silence critical reporting. He and his lawyers say they are ready for court and expect proceedings may begin on March 26, 2026.
MIIF and the named officials did not provide comment in the recording of Asare’s statement. The police have not publicly released the formal charges or court filings; inquiries to MIIF and police are ongoing. Asare said he will disclose the identities of the two journalists who contacted him if the case proceeds and he deems it necessary to defend his reporting.
This developing story will be updated as court documents, police statements or responses from MIIF become available.
