U.S. court orders former MP Kennedy Agyapong to pay $18 million for defaming Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas
A U.S. court has found former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong guilty of defaming investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, ordering him to pay $18 million in damages.
The verdict was delivered unanimously by an eight-member jury.
In a statement on Facebook, Anas described the ruling as not only a personal victory but also a strong message to Ghanaian politicians that the media should not be undermined.
“This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society,” he wrote.
He stated that the verdict underscored a dedication to strengthening a democracy that benefits all Ghanaians.
Reflecting on the legal battle, Anas pointed out the significant differences between the judicial systems of the United States and Ghana.
Anas compared the U.S. ruling to his experience in Ghana, where a similar defamation case against Mr. Agyapong in 2018 resulted in a vastly different outcome.
“Regrettably, the situation in Ghana was starkly different. In 2018, when I pursued a similar lawsuit there, justice eluded me. Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal.”
“This ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who described it as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.” Such outcomes are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform” Anas remarked.
According to the investigative journalist, the proceedings in New Jersey exemplified “fairness and accountability.”
Anas also used the ruling as a cautionary message to politicians about undermining the press. “Today’s outcome sends a strong message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he warned. He highlighted the vital importance of press freedom and accountability, emphasizing the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable and ensuring leaders are responsible.
In expressing his gratitude, Anas thanked his legal team—Andrew Deheer, Esq., Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq.—along with the supporters who stood by him throughout his pursuit of justice.
He reaffirmed his dedication to fearless journalism, emphasizing that the verdict was not just about him, but about defending truth and ensuring justice prevails over misinformation. The case, overseen by Honorable Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, featured testimony from Mr. Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong.
Similar to his approach in Ghana, Mr. Agyapong presented audiovisual evidence titled “Who Watches the Watchman” and cited the Ghanaian judgment in his defense. However, the jury returned a unanimous 8-0 verdict on all counts.
