In a historic legal triumph, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been awarded $18 million in damages by the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey. The unanimous verdict, delivered by an eight-member jury, found Kennedy Agyapong, a former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, liable for defamation. The case stemmed from statements Agyapong made following the release of the BBC documentary “Betraying the Game” on October 28, 2018.
Anas, known for his fearless exposés on corruption, described the ruling as a victory not just for himself but for the principles of truth and accountability. “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 stated. The case highlighted the high bar for proving defamation in the United States, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice. The jury’s unanimous decision underscored the reckless and malicious nature of Agyapong’s attacks.
The defamatory statements included allegations that Anas was a criminal, a thief, and complicit in the murder of Ahmed Suale, an undercover journalist who collaborated with Anas on the explosive documentary “Number 12.” Despite Agyapong’s attempts to defend his claims, including presenting audiovisual evidence titled “Who Watches the Watchman” and citing a Ghanaian court ruling, the New Jersey jury found his assertions baseless.
Anas contrasted this victory with his experience in Ghana, where a similar lawsuit in 2018 yielded a starkly different outcome. Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court dismissed Anas’s claims and even portrayed him as a criminal—a decision later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.” Anas lamented the systemic flaws in Ghana’s judicial system, calling for urgent reforms to ensure fairness and accountability.
The New Jersey proceedings, presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, demonstrated the principles of justice and impartiality. Anas expressed gratitude to his legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., for their meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication.
“This outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” Anas asserted. He reaffirmed the indispensable role of the press in holding leaders accountable and vowed to continue his relentless fight against corruption.
As the final determination on punitive damages looms, Anas’s victory serves as a rallying cry for advocates of transparency and justice. It is a testament to the enduring power of truth and the resilience of those who dare to challenge corruption and impunity.
