Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has issued a strong warning to politicians and the media following his victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey.
A jury convicted former MP, Kennedy Agyapong, guilty for defamation and granted him $18 million in damages.
“This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society,” Anas stated.
“It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians.”
The action focusses on defamatory statements made by Agyapong after the release of the BBC’s investigative program, Betraying the Game, on October 28, 2018.
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Anas emphasized the significance of the unanimous jury verdict, highlighting the stringent legal standards for proving defamation in the U.S.
“Proving defamation in the United States is an exceptionally high hurdle, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice,” he added.
“That the jury ruled unanimously in my favour underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”
Anas contrasted the U.S. ruling with his experience in Ghana, where a similar defamation case against Agyapong in 2018 yielded a vastly different outcome.
“In Ghana, justice eluded me,” he lamented. “Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court denied me justice and unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal.”
Anas referenced Supreme Court Justice Kulendi’s condemnation of the Ghanaian ruling, describing it as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”
He called the discrepancy between the two legal systems a clear reminder of the need for urgent judicial reforms in Ghana.
“In contrast, the proceedings in New Jersey demonstrated fairness and accountability,” he remarked.
“Despite presenting the same ‘Who Watches the Watchman’ evidence and even citing the Ghanaian judgment, Mr Agyapong’s defence collapsed before the weight of truth.”
Anas used the opportunity to convey a warning to politicians about their abuse of journalists and media.
“Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he said.
“The press plays an indispensable role in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance.”
He thanked his legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., and supporters who stood by him throughout the legal battle. With punitive damages still to be determined, Anas reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to combating corruption.
“The fight against corruption continues unabated,” he told reporters. “We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society.”
His win has rekindled discussions on journalistic freedom, judicial integrity, and the boundaries of political influence in creating public narratives.
