Renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has won a significant legal battle in the United States, securing an $18 million judgment against Kennedy Agyapong, a former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, for defamation.
The verdict was delivered by an eight-member jury at the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, which found Agyapong liable for defamatory statements made following the airing of the BBC documentary Betraying the Game on October 28, 2018. The court ruled that Agyapong had acted with malice, awarding damages to Anas in a case that underscored the challenges of proving defamation under U.S. law.
In a press release following the court’s decision, Anas expressed a sense of vindication, stating that the ruling reaffirmed the importance of truth and accountability in democratic societies.
He contrasted the U.S. ruling with a 2018 lawsuit he had filed in Ghana, where Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court dismissed his case and even portrayed him as a criminal. That decision, later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority,” highlighted systemic flaws in Ghana’s judicial system, according to Anas.
Agyapong, who had defended himself by referencing his controversial documentary Who Watches the Watchman, failed to convince the U.S. jury. The case was presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, and Anas’ legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., secured an 8-0 victory on all counts.
Anas emphasized that the ruling serves as a warning to politicians and public figures who attempt to use media to discredit investigative journalism. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption and urged for continued efforts to hold powerful figures accountable.
As the final determination on punitive damages awaits, Anas thanked his legal team and supporters, calling the victory a milestone for press freedom and justice.
