Anas Aremeyaw Anas Wins $18 Million Defamation Suit Against Kennedy Agyapong in US Court

Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has secured a major legal victory in the United States, as a jury in the Essex County Superior Court, New Jersey, unanimously found former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation. The jury awarded Anas $18 million in damages for defamatory statements made by Agyapong following the airing of the BBC’s corruption exposé, Betraying the Game, on October 28, 2018.

In a statement after the ruling, Anas described the verdict as a “resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society.” He emphasized that proving defamation in the U.S. requires clear and convincing evidence of malice, making the 8-0 jury decision a significant milestone.

Contrast Between Ghana and the U.S. Court Rulings

Anas drew a sharp contrast between the outcome in the U.S. and his previous legal battle in Ghana. In 2018, he filed a similar lawsuit in the Accra High Court but was denied justice. Justice Eric Baah ruled against him and controversially portrayed him as a criminal—a decision later criticized by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”

“This ruling is a stark reminder of the systemic flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform,” Anas stated.

Kennedy Agyapong’s Defense Rejected

During the U.S. trial, Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong, took the stand, presenting the same “Who Watches the Watchman” documentary and referencing the Ghanaian judgment in their defense. However, the court, presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, ruled in favor of Anas.

Message to Politicians: “You Cannot Take the Media for Granted”

Anas hailed the verdict as a victory for press freedom and accountability. He warned that Ghanaian politicians must recognize the critical role of journalism in holding power to account.

“The press plays an indispensable role in scrutinizing power, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance,” he asserted.

What’s Next?

As the case moves toward a final determination on punitive damages, Anas reaffirmed his commitment to the fight against corruption.

“The fight continues. We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society.”

This ruling marks a landmark moment in the battle against defamation and serves as a strong reminder of the power of the truth in the pursuit of justice.

Stay tuned for further updates.

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