- Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has won an $18 million defamation case against Ghanaian politician Kennedy Agyapong in a New Jersey court.
Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has described his recent legal victory in the United States as a “resounding affirmation” of press freedom and accountability.
A New Jersey court awarded Anas $18 million in damages after finding former MP Kennedy Agyapong and social media commentator Frederick Asamoah liable for defamation.
The ruling, delivered by an eight-member jury in Essex County Superior Court, was based on statements made during a 2021 social media broadcast.
In a statement following the judgment, Anas said the verdict highlighted the stark contrast between judicial proceedings in the US and Ghana, where a similar lawsuit against Mr. Agyapong had failed in 2018.
‘Fairness and accountability’
“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 said.
He criticised the Ghanaian judiciary, recalling how the Accra High Court dismissed his defamation suit in 2018 despite Mr. Agyapong admitting he lacked evidence to support his claims.
Justice Eric Baah, who presided over the Ghanaian case, went further to label Anas as a criminal in his ruling—an outcome later criticised by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority”.
“The proceedings in New Jersey demonstrated fairness and accountability,” Anas noted. He added that Mr. Agyapong had presented similar evidence in the US trial but was unanimously found liable on all counts.
Call for accountability
Anas said the US court ruling should serve as a warning to Ghanaian politicians against using the media to discredit journalists.
“The press plays an indispensable role in scrutinising power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance,” he said.
He thanked his legal team, led by attorney Andrew Deheer, for their work in securing the verdict and reiterated his commitment to the fight against corruption in Ghana.
“The fight against corruption continues unabated. We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society,” Anas said.
A final determination on punitive damages is yet to be made.
