Anas Aremeyaw Wins $18 Million Defamation Case Against Kennedy Agyapong

Ghana: Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has won an $18 million defamation case against former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong in a U.S. court. A jury in Essex County, New Jersey, ruled in Anas’ favor, saying Agyapong’s statements about him were false and damaging.

Anas had sued Agyapong after he called him a blackmailer, corrupt, and an extortionist during a live TV show in 2018. Agyapong made these accusations after Anas released a corruption investigation report. In Ghana, Anas had previously taken the case to court, but the judge dismissed it, saying he could not prove his claims.

After winning the case in the U.S., Anas said the ruling was a strong message against lies and character attacks. He explained that proving defamation in the U.S. is difficult because it requires clear proof of malice. The fact that the jury ruled unanimously in his favor showed that Agyapong’s attacks were both reckless and intentional.

Anas also compared this ruling to his experience in Ghana, where he felt justice was not served. He criticized the Ghanaian court's decision, saying it unfairly treated him as a criminal instead of a victim. He quoted Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who called the Ghanaian ruling a "violent abuse of judicial authority."

Anas concluded by warning politicians and the media that they cannot spread false information without consequences. He said this victory strengthens democracy and shows that justice can be achieved.