- A jury found Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation
- Anas criticizes Ghana’s judiciary
- Anas vows to keep fighting corruption
Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has hailed his $18 million defamation victory over former MP Kennedy Agyapong in New Jersey as a significant win for justice and press freedom.
Following the Essex County Superior Court’s decision, Anas called the verdict a “resounding affirmation that falsehoods and character assassination have no place in our society” and an important milestone in Ghana’s democratic progress.
“Yesterday, an eight-member jury unanimously found Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation and awarded $18 million in damages,” Anas said.
“These damages stem from statements he made after the BBC aired the documentary Betraying the Game, which exposed corruption, on October 28, 2018.”
For Anas, this ruling represents more than just a personal triumph; it symbolizes hope for journalists and citizens who are committed to transparency and accountability.
“This decision is not merely a legal victory—it reinforces our commitment to building a strong democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians,” he stated.
He emphasized the significance of winning a defamation case in the U.S., where the legal threshold is exceptionally high.
“Proving defamation in the United States is a difficult task, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice,” Anas explained. “The jury’s unanimous decision in my favor shows that Mr. Agyapong acted maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”
Anas contrasted this case with his experience in Ghana, where a similar lawsuit against Agyapong in 2018 was dismissed by the Ghanaian judiciary.
“Sadly, the situation in Ghana was completely different,” he said. “Despite Mr. Agyapong admitting he had no evidence to support his false claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me as a criminal.”
He also pointed out that the Ghanaian ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who called it a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”
Anas believes this highlights systemic issues within Ghana’s judicial system that require urgent reform. “These outcomes are a stark reminder of the deep flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform,” he stressed.
In contrast, Anas praised the fairness of the U.S. court proceedings, where both Kennedy Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong, testified.
“The case, overseen by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, saw Mr. Agyapong take the stand alongside his brother. He presented audiovisual evidence titled Who Watches the Watchman and even referenced the Ghanaian judgment in his defense,” Anas recounted. “However, despite these attempts, our thoroughly prepared case—led by my legal team headed by Andrew Deheer, Esq.—secured an 8-0 verdict on all counts.”
Anas stated that this ruling sends a clear message to politicians who think they can attack journalists with impunity.
“Today’s ruling sends a strong message, especially to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he declared. “The press plays a crucial role in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable. Any effort to undermine this vital function will face unwavering resistance.”
He expressed his deep gratitude to his legal team—Andrew Deheer, Arthur Wemegah, Evans Selasi Adika, and Odei Krow—and to his supporters who have stood by him throughout this fight.
“I extend my deepest thanks to my legal team, my supporters, and everyone who has stood by me in this relentless pursuit of truth,” he said.
While awaiting the final decision on punitive damages, Anas reaffirmed his dedication to fighting corruption.
“The battle against corruption continues without pause. We will keep working to root out corruption and hold those responsible accountable,” he declared.
