Renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has issued a strong warning to politicians and the media following his significant legal victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey.
A jury found former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Anas highlighted the importance of the ruling, describing it as a powerful message to Ghanaian politicians that the media cannot be undermined or taken for granted.
A Landmark Legal Victory
“I stand before you today with a profound sense of vindication and determination,” Anas wrote. “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. These damages stemmed from statements he made following the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, Betraying the Game, on October 28, 2018.”
Anas described the ruling as more than just a personal victory, stating, “This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehoods and character assassination have no place in our society. It reinforces our commitment to building a strong democracy that serves the people of Ghana.”
A Stark Contrast Between U.S. and Ghanaian Justice Systems
Anas also pointed out the challenges of proving defamation in the United States, where the legal bar is set high and requires clear and convincing evidence of malice. “That the jury ruled unanimously in my favor underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me,” he said.
However, he lamented the stark contrast with Ghana’s legal system. “In 2018, when I pursued a similar case in Ghana, justice eluded me. Despite Agyapong admitting he had no evidence to back his defamatory claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also wrongfully portrayed me as the criminal. This decision was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who called it a ‘violent abuse of judicial authority.’ This highlights the systemic flaws within Ghana’s judicial system—flaws that require urgent reform.”
A Call to Action for Press Freedom and Accountability
Anas used this victory as an opportunity to remind politicians that undermining the media comes with consequences. “Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, especially to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted. The press is essential for scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this role will be met with firm resistance.”
Anas concluded by expressing his gratitude to his legal team—Andrew Deheer, Esq., Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq.—as well as his supporters and all those who stood by him in his fight for justice.
