Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been awarded $18 million in damages by a U.S. court after a jury found that he was defamed by former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong. The ruling, delivered by an eight-member jury in Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, is a landmark victory for press freedom and accountability.
The defamation case stems from comments made by Agyapong following Anas’ 2018 BBC investigation that exposed widespread corruption in African football, including in Ghana. In a 2021 episode of the Daddy Fred Show podcast, Agyapong called Anas a “criminal” and accused him of being responsible for the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale.
Anas had previously lost a similar case in Ghana seven years ago, but pursued legal action in the United States after the podcast episode aired while Agyapong was in New Jersey, where he owns property. Despite arguments from Agyapong’s legal team that the case should not have been brought in the U.S., the jury found him liable for defamation. The damages awarded included $8 million in punitive damages.
Following the verdict, Anas expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Justice has prevailed. This victory is not just for me, but for truth, press freedom, and every journalist who risks everything to expose corruption and wrongdoing.” He reaffirmed his commitment to investigative journalism, despite facing threats and intimidation.
Agyapong’s lawyers attempted to dismiss the case by claiming that his remarks were hyperbolic and not defamatory. However, the court ruled otherwise, emphasizing the serious implications of his accusations against Anas.
Meanwhile, in a significant development in Ghana, police have arrested a suspect in connection with the 2019 murder of Ahmed Hussein Suale. The suspect is alleged to have shared pictures of the undercover journalist with a prominent Ghanaian politician before his assassination. The killing of Suale had been linked to the same football corruption exposé that Anas worked on.
This legal victory underscores the importance of safeguarding press freedom and holding powerful figures accountable for their statements. Anas remains resolute in his mission to expose corruption and uphold journalistic integrity, despite the risks involved.
