Popular Ghanaian sports presenter, Patrick Osei Agyemang, widely known as Countryman Songo, will stand trial on November 4, 2025, after being accused of defaming former Black Stars defender and current assistant coach, John Paintsil.
The outspoken Fire for Fire host, known for his fiery commentary and unfiltered criticism, found himself in legal trouble earlier this year after a series of damning remarks directed at Paintsil on live television.
Songo’s comments, deemed by many as personal and excessive, formed part of a wider controversy surrounding Paintsil’s appointment to the Black Stars’ technical team following Ghana’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In his outburst, Songo questioned Paintsil’s integrity and coaching credentials, alleging that the former Fulham and West Ham defender possessed a fake coaching license and lacked the moral right to serve on the national team’s bench.
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His remarks eventually led Paintsil to file a defamation suit against Songo and other sports journalists, demanding ₵80 million in damages.
Though Songo publicly apologized in April 2024, admitting he “went overboard” with his comments and pleading with Paintsil to drop the charges, the case has since advanced to trial.
The fiery presenter expressed remorse on live TV, but the damage had already been done, with Paintsil insisting on seeking justice through the courts.
According to former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, Sannie Daara, the presiding judge has now fixed November 4 as the date for proceedings to begin.
BREAKING NEWS: Sad to report that my bro Countryman Songo will be standing trial for defaming ex-Ghana defender John Paintsil.
The judge today set the date of 4th November for trial to begin.
Paintsil went to court over the insults on this 👇 show:
— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) October 17, 2025
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch highlights of Ghana’s 1-0 win over Comoros in the World Cup qualifiers
