In a landmark ruling, Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit against politician Kennedy Agyapong, with a New Jersey court ordering the latter to pay $18 million in damages. The decision, handed down by the Essex County Superior Court, marks a resounding win for the renowned undercover reporter, celebrated for exposing corruption across Africa.
Anas hailed the verdict as more than a personal milestone—it’s a bold statement against the spread of lies and attacks on character that erode trust in society. “This isn’t just about me,” he said in a heartfelt statement. “It’s a clear signal that no one should be allowed to weaponize falsehoods or smear reputations without consequence.”
The legal battle traces back to 2018, sparked by Agyapong’s accusations following the release of the BBC documentary *Betraying the Game*. The politician had claimed Anas engaged in misconduct, charges the journalist fiercely denied as groundless attempts to discredit his work. After a meticulous trial, the U.S. jury unanimously agreed, finding Agyapong’s statements not only false but driven by malice—a key factor in proving defamation under America’s stringent legal standards.
Anas underscored the significance of this threshold. “In the U.S., defamation isn’t easy to prove. You need hard evidence of intentional harm,” he explained. “The jury’s united stance shows Agyapong’s attacks were reckless and spiteful.”
This triumph stands in sharp contrast to Anas’ earlier experience in Ghana, where a similar defamation suit against Agyapong faltered. Despite the politician admitting he had no proof for his allegations, an Accra High Court judge, Justice Eric Baah, dismissed the case in a ruling Anas described as deeply flawed. “In Ghana, justice slipped through my fingers,” he said with evident frustration. “The court not only rejected my plea but turned the tables, painting me—the one seeking redress—as the villain.”
He pointed to Ghanaian Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who later slammed the decision as a “gross misuse of judicial power,” amplifying calls for reform in the country’s legal system. The New Jersey outcome, Anas argued, exposed these disparities while showcasing a process rooted in fairness. “Even with the same evidence from Ghana—including Agyapong’s own defense—the truth prevailed here,” he said.
Beyond personal vindication, Anas sees the ruling as a wake-up call for those in power. “This is a loud warning to politicians, especially in Ghana,” he asserted. “The media isn’t your punching bag. We’re here to shine a light on corruption and hold leaders to account—and we won’t back down.”
Expressing gratitude to his legal team, spearheaded by Andrew Deheer, Esq., and his supporters, Anas remains focused on his mission. As the court prepares to decide on additional punitive damages, he doubled down on his commitment. “The war on corruption doesn’t pause,” he vowed. “We’ll keep digging, exposing, and ensuring the guilty face justice.”
The verdict has sparked fresh debates about press freedom, the integrity of judicial systems, and the sway of political agendas in public discourse. For Anas, it’s a step toward a world where truth holds firm against the tide of slander—a fight he’s far from finished waging.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0