By: Henrietta Afful
A United States (US) court has found former Ghanaian Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong liable for defaming investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, ordering the former MP to pay $18 million in damages. The figure included $8m in punitive damages.
The eight-member jury in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, delivered a unanimous verdict.
The damages stem from defamatory comments made by the former Assin Central MP after the broadcast of the BBC’s investigative documentary on football corruption titled, “Betraying the Game,” on October 28, 2018.
The court heard that Mr. Agyapong, among other accusations made on a podcast, had called the reporter a “criminal” and alleged he was behind the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Investigative Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, described the ruling as more than just a personal victory, calling it a decisive message to Ghanaian politicians that the media cannot be taken for granted.
“This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society,” Anas stated.
He said the verdict reinforced a commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all Ghanaians. “It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians” he wrote.
Reflecting on the legal battle, Anas noted the stark difference between the judicial systems of the United States and Ghana.
Anas contrasted the U.S. ruling with his experience in Ghana, where a similar defamation case against Mr. Agyapong in 2018 had a very different outcome.
“Regrettably, the situation in Ghana was starkly different. In 2018, when I pursued a similar lawsuit there, justice eluded me. Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal. This ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who described it as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.” Such outcomes are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform” Anas remarked.
According to the investigative journalist, the proceedings in New Jersey exemplified “fairness and accountability.”
Anas also used the ruling as a warning to politicians against undermining the press. “Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, especially to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he cautioned. He emphasized the critical role of press freedom and accountability, underscoring the importance of journalists in holding power to account and ensuring leaders are responsible.
In expressing his gratitude, Anas acknowledged his legal team—Andrew Deheer, Esq., Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq.—as well as the supporters who stood by him in his pursuit of justice.
He reaffirmed his commitment to fearless journalism, stating that the verdict was not just about him, but about upholding truth and ensuring justice triumphs over misinformation.
The case, presided over by the Honorable Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, saw Mr. Agyapong testify alongside his brother, Ralph Agyapong.
As he did in Ghana, Mr Agyapong presented audiovisual evidence titled “Who Watches the Watchman” and referenced the Ghanaian judgment in his defense. However, the jury delivered a unanimous 8-0 verdict on all counts.
