Renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has warned politicians and the media after securing a major legal victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey.A jury found former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong guilty of defamation and ordered him to pay $18 million in damages.
Kennedy Ohene Ayapong & Anas Aremeyaw Anas
A Landmark Legal Victory
In a Facebook statement, Anas highlighted the significance of the ruling, describing it as a strong message to Ghanaian politicians that the media cannot be silenced.
“I stand before you today with a profound sense of vindication and determination,” he stated. “Yesterday, in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, an eight-member jury delivered a unanimous verdict finding Kennedy Agyapong—former member of the Ghanaian Parliament—liable for defamation and awarding damages of 18 million U.S. dollars. These damages arise from statements he made following the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, Betraying the Game, on October 28, 2018.”
Anas emphasized that the ruling goes beyond personal victory. “This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society. It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians.”
Differences Between US and Ghanaian Justice Systems
The journalist also pointed out the difficulty of winning defamation cases in the U.S., where plaintiffs must prove malice beyond doubt. He noted that the jury’s unanimous ruling in his favor clearly showed Agyapong acted with malicious intent.
“That the jury ruled unanimously in my favor underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me,” he explained.
However, he expressed disappointment over how a similar case in Ghana was handled. “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.”
A Message to Politicians and the Media
Anas used the verdict to send a clear message to politicians who attempt to undermine the press.“Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted. The press is indispensable in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance,” he stated.He also expressed gratitude to his legal team—Andrew Deheer, Esq., Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq.—as well as supporters who stood by him…Source:dailymailgh.com
