An Accra High Court has dismissed the copyright lawsuit against producer Hammer and rapper Obrafour, filed by Mantse Aryeequaye, the founder of the Chalewote Street Art Festival.
Mantse had sued rapper Obrafour (Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko) and producer Hammer (Edward Nana Poku Osei) for allegedly claiming sole ownership of the famous ‘killer cut blood’ phrase used in the popular song ‘Oye Ohene’.
However, on Thursday, February 15th, the case was struck out by an Accra High Court, presided over by Justice John Eugene Nyanteh Nyadu, citing technicalities. The court observed that Mantse had filed separate claims against the producer and rapper, leading to the dismissal.
Speaking to Joy Entertainment, Lawyer for Obrafour, Bobby Banson, said 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 had to be treated as separate persons in two separate suits. Lawyer Bobby Banson 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 despite being a similar case, the court ruled that Obrafour and Hammer had to be sued separately. 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.”
