A failed last-minute retreat has cost Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, GH¢10,000 after the Supreme Court of Ghana struck out his attempt to halt a defamation case filed by actress Martha Ankomah.

The penalty comes on the back of repeated but unsuccessful efforts by Lilwin to suspend proceedings in the ongoing lawsuit. His most recent application for a stay, filed at the apex court on March 4, 2026, followed earlier dismissals at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Despite pushing the matter to the country’s highest court, his legal team pulled back at the eleventh hour. A formal notice filed a day before the scheduled hearing indicated the application had been withdrawn, although with room left open to revisit it.

“Please take note that the Defendant/Appellant/Applicant herein has withdrawn the Application for Stay of Proceedings filed against the Plaintiff/Respondent/Respondent with liberty to reapply,” the withdrawal notice stated.

That withdrawal did not end the matter. When proceedings were called on March 31, neither Lilwin nor his lawyers were present in court, according to a report. The five-member panel, chaired by Amadu Tanko, openly criticised the absence, interpreting it as disregard for the court.

“For the principal (actor) and his lawyer not respecting us (by absenting themselves),” the Court will consider a cost from the Plaintiff’s lawyers.

Lawyers for Martha Ankomah, led in court by Roland Karikari Apau for Nii Apatu Plange, pressed for costs to be awarded. The panel, which also comprised Samuel Adibu Asiedu, Henry Anthony Kwofie, Dominic Dennis Adjei, and Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, agreed, striking out the application and awarding GH¢10,000 against the actor.

Settlement efforts falter

Proceedings at the High Court remain active, with no resolution yet in sight. Although Lilwin’s camp has signalled a renewed openness to settle the GH¢5 million claim outside court, that position echoes an earlier attempt that ultimately broke down.

Previously, both sides had reached common ground on settlement terms. However, Lilwin declined to sign the agreement, forcing the case to resume in court.

The dispute arises from claims that he made disparaging remarks about Martha Ankomah in public, which she argues damaged her reputation and professional standing.

Presiding judge Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Basit has adjourned the case to April 14, 2026, giving the parties time to either conclude negotiations or proceed to trial.

What the lawsuit alleges

In a writ filed on February 14, 2024, Martha Ankomah contends that comments attributed to Lilwin harmed both her image and her association with the GTP brand.

She argues that he wrongly portrayed her as dismissive of Kumawood actors, alleging that she refused collaborations because she considered their storylines substandard.

Describing the statements as defamatory, she is seeking:

• GH¢5 million in damages for the alleged defamation
• Compensation for reputational harm
• Aggravated damages for what she calls malicious publication
• A public apology and retraction with equal prominence
• An injunction to prevent further similar statements
• Legal costs

With earlier delays exhausted and settlement talks still uncertain, the case is now edging toward a full hearing unless both sides reach a final agreement.