In a significant legal victory, renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has won an $18 million defamation lawsuit against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong. The verdict was delivered by a jury in Essex County, New Jersey, marking a critical moment in Anas’ long-standing battle to defend his reputation.
The lawsuit, which was filed on May 17, 2022, in the Essex County Superior Court, accused Agyapong and media personality Frederick Asamoah of making false and damaging claims against Anas during an episode of The Daddy Fred Show, an online program widely followed by Ghanaian audiences in the United States.
During the program, Agyapong allegedly accused Anas of being a criminal and a thief, and even went as far as to implicate him in the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale. Suale, a key member of Anas’ investigative team, was assassinated in 2019 following the release of Number 12, a documentary that exposed corruption in Ghanaian football.
The court documents detailed several defamatory allegations made by Agyapong, including:
- Falsely claiming that Anas had been convicted of crimes in Ghana.
- Accusing Anas of orchestrating the murder of Ahmed Suale.
- Asserting that Anas was responsible for the deaths of multiple Chinese nationals in Ghana.
- Labeling Anas as a thief.
This legal triumph in the U.S. follows a contrasting outcome in Ghana, where Anas had earlier pursued a defamation case against Agyapong in 2018. Seeking GH¢25 million in damages, Anas had challenged defamatory statements made by Agyapong. However, the Accra High Court ruled against him on March 15, 2023, with Justice Eric Baah dismissing the case, stating that Anas’ investigative methods resembled “investigative terrorism” rather than legitimate journalism. The Ghanaian Supreme Court later upheld this ruling in 2024 with a narrow 3-2 decision.
Despite setbacks in Ghana, Anas remained steadfast in his quest for justice, turning to the U.S. legal system for redress. His persistence was rewarded when the Essex County jury ruled in his favor, awarding him $18 million in damages. This decision stands as a major win for Anas and underscores the broader significance of legal protections against defamation in international jurisdictions.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the ongoing discourse on press freedom, investigative journalism, and accountability in Ghana and beyond. Anas, known for his undercover exposés, continues to advocate for transparency and justice despite facing intense scrutiny and opposition.
