Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has responded to the reduction of an $18 million damages award initially granted in a U.S. defamation case against Ghanaian politician Kennedy Agyapong, insisting that the real victory lies in the court’s finding of defamation, not the monetary value.
In a press release dated May 11, 2025, Tiger Eye PI, Anas’ investigative firm, reaffirmed that an American jury had found Kennedy Agyapong guilty of maliciously defaming Anas’ character. The jury awarded Anas $18 million in damages.
However, Kennedy Agyapong later filed a motion for remittitur, requesting the court to reduce the amount. The trial judge granted the motion, slashing the award to $500, a move the court said was due to the jury’s figure being excessive despite upholding the finding that Agyapong had indeed defamed Anas.
“Inherent in his motion, Kennedy Agyapong admitted to having maliciously defamed me,” the statement noted, emphasizing that the case was never about financial gain but rather about seeking justice and defending truth.
Anas stated he was content that no allegation leveled against him in court by Agyapong was proven, highlighting that the court provided the latter every opportunity to back his claims.
He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption, pledging to continue to “name, shame, and jail” wrongdoers in his ongoing crusade for accountability and justice.
The case, widely followed both in Ghana and internationally, stems from a series of public accusations made by Agyapong against Anas, including a media campaign that sought to discredit the journalist’s anti-corruption work.
Below is a copy of the press statement:
Source: Ghana/StarrFM 103.5FM/Risa Wyettey Cofie
