Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has achieved a major legal victory in the United States, securing an $18 million defamation judgement against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong.
A jury in Essex County, New Jersey, delivered the verdict following a lawsuit Anas filed on May 17, 2022, at the Essex County Superior Court.
The case also implicated media personality Frederick Asamoah. Anas accused the two of making defamatory remarks during an episode of The Daddy Fred Show, an online programme popular among Ghanaians in the U.S.
During the broadcast, Agyapong allegedly made a series of damaging and false claims about Anas, including:
- Accusing Anas of being a criminal and a thief.
- Alleging that Anas orchestrated the murder of fellow investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
- Claiming Anas was responsible for the deaths of multiple Chinese nationals in Ghana.
- Falsely asserting that Anas had been convicted of crimes in Ghana.
Suale, a key member of Anas’ investigative team, was assassinated in 2019 after the release of Number 12, a documentary exposing corruption in Ghanaian football.
The U.S. court’s decision stands in contrast to a 2018 defamation case Anas pursued against Agyapong in Ghana. In that case, Anas sought GH¢25 million in damages, but on March 15, 2023, the Accra High Court ruled in favour of Agyapong. Justice Eric Baah deemed Anas’ investigative approach to be closer to “investigative terrorism” rather than standard journalism. The Ghanaian Supreme Court upheld this ruling in 2024 with a narrow 3-2 decision.
Undeterred by the Ghanaian court rulings, Anas turned to the U.S. legal system, where he ultimately secured a favourable outcome. The Essex County jury’s decision marks a decisive win for Anas in his fight for justice and professional integrity.
The $18 million judgement underscores the legal consequences of spreading false and defamatory statements. It highlights the importance of journalistic credibility and the need to hold individuals accountable for misinformation.
For Anas, this victory is more than just a financial award—it is a reaffirmation of his work as an investigative journalist. His success in the U.S. court reinforces the broader fight for press freedom and the protection of journalists against defamatory attacks.
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