Van Vicker sues Lil Win for GH¢10m over Facebook video

Ghanaian actor Van Vicker sued fellow actor Lil Win at the High Court in Accra this month, seeking GH¢10 million over a Facebook video he says portrayed him as dishonest and unprofessional.

The video, which carried the caption "LIL WIN BANS VAN VICKER FROM ACTING IN KUMASI!", allegedly accused him of failing to meet film commitments and threatened to bar him from the Kumawood industry.

Court documents contain an English translation of statements Lil Win allegedly made in Twi. They say he accused Van Vicker of ignoring five calls from the production team and failing to carry out agreed work.

Lil Win allegedly said he held WhatsApp chats and audio recordings to support his account. The translation also refers to Journey to Africa, described as an international movie project, and says Lil Win allegedly offered Van Vicker a place in the cast if he apologised and explained the unreturned calls. Otherwise, he allegedly threatened to remove him.

Van Vicker contends the statements cast him as an actor who accepts roles but fails to appear, and as disrespectful to producers and directors. He denies the allegations and describes himself as a professional who has always adhered to industry standards.

He alleges the video was published maliciously and sensationally to draw attention to Lil Win's film project. The filing argues it was calculated to raise the defendant's visibility, ratings and viewership by linking his name to the controversy.

The plaintiff says the caption created the impression that he had been banned from Kumawood productions and from travelling to Kumasi for work. He claims the publication exposed him to public ridicule, contempt and hostility.

Producers who previously engaged him are now unsure whether he is available, according to the filing, and he says he has lost opportunities. He reports fear and anxiety, cancelled trips to Kumasi, and embarrassing inquiries from colleagues, producers and family.

Van Vicker argues the alleged ban infringes his professional and economic interests, as well as his freedom of movement under Ghana's 1992 Constitution. He asks the court to restrain further publication of the statements or similar allegations.

Beyond the exemplary damages, he seeks a declaration that the video is libellous and defamatory, general damages for libel, and costs including legal fees. He also wants a retraction and an apology on news portals, given the same prominence as the original for four consecutive weeks.

None of these claims has been established as a finding by the court. No response from Lil Win appears in the documents reviewed.

In the statement of claim, Van Vicker says he began his career as a television personality at TV3 between 1997 and 1999. He then worked as a radio presenter at Groove 106.3 FM from 1999 to 2000 and at Vibe 91.9 FM from 2001 to 2004, and he worked with Metro TV between 2000 and 2006.

He says he has appeared in more than 150 films and worked with prominent actors from Ghana and Nigeria. He has also produced and directed films through Sky + Orange Productions since 2008.

The claim cites Kumawood titles including Joni Waka, Broni Wawu, Black Monkey and Sika Sei Yonkoo. He argues these show his involvement in Twi-language cinema and his efforts to bridge the gap between Ghana's English-language industry and Kumawood.

He also cites awards and nominations as evidence of a professional reputation built locally and internationally.

The writ names Joseph Van Vicker as plaintiff and Kwadwo Nkansah, also known as Lil Win, as defendant. It was issued through Ebenezer Asare of Troth Legal, Westland Boulevard, West Legon, Accra, who acts for the plaintiff.

The statement of claim is dated 10 October 2026, although another account puts the filing on 12 October.

The writ directs Lil Win to enter an appearance within eight days after service, inclusive of the day of service. It warns that judgment could be entered against him in his absence without further notice if he fails to do so.