Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has expressed hope of receiving the $18 million (£14 million) awarded to him in a defamation case against Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong. However, he says the true victory lies in the message it sends.
“The bigger impact for me is not the money but the fact that young journalists are encouraged [to hold the powerful to account] no matter how big you are [as] a politician,” Anas told the BBC.
The lawsuit stemmed from Mr Agyapong’s public accusations, including calling Anas a “criminal” following his investigation into football corruption in Ghana and beyond. Initially, Anas lost the case in Ghana, but he later took legal action in the US, where Agyapong owns property, and won.
A US jury in Essex County Superior Court, New Jersey, unanimously found the Ghanaian MP liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages, including $8 million in punitive damages.
During an interview with the BBC, Anas also reflected on the murder of his colleague, Ahmed Suale.
“From time to time I go to where Ahmed was shot, and I go to have my own quiet time. I go to his grave,” he shared.
“It encourages me. When Ahmed was alive, he asked me one day: ‘Boss, I want [to] assure you [that] one day if you should die, I would continue with the good work that you do.’ I didn’t know it was going to be the reverse because, all along… I was the one who was the target.”
Although a suspect has been arrested, Anas believes others involved in Suale’s killing are still free.
Anas did not hold back in his criticism of Ghana’s legal system, stating, “Many members of the judiciary are doing nothing but tilting the scale of justice in favour of the wrong one.”
Due to this, he chose to file his case in New Jersey, where Agyapong had been interviewed for the Daddy Fred Show podcast, during which he made the defamatory remarks.
Anas sees his legal victory as a win for journalists across the continent, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.
“I feel very happy, I think that it’s a vindication of what I have always preached. This goes a long way to encourage African journalists across the continent—there’s a need for us to be resilient. There’s a need for us to have a stomach to take the heat,” he said.
Regarding the damages, Anas is optimistic about receiving the compensation, noting that his legal team had conducted thorough assessments of Agyapong’s assets before filing the case.
“I cannot be 100% certain, but I know that my legal team has done some work and they have a plan,” he stated.
He also highlighted the broader implications of the case, warning those in power that African journalists will continue to hold them accountable.
“We also have the capacity to stand toe-to-toe with you. Whilst we are patient, whilst we are honest, our day will definitely come.”
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