Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has secured a landmark legal victory in the United States, winning an $18 million defamation lawsuit against former Ghanaian lawmaker Kennedy Agyapong.
An eight-member jury at the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey found Agyapong liable for defamatory statements made against Anas following the airing of the BBC documentary Betraying the Game on October 28, 2018.
The court ruled that Agyapong acted with malice, awarding damages in a case that highlighted the complexities of defamation law in the U.S.
In a statement after the verdict, Anas expressed a sense of vindication, describing the ruling as a victory for truth and accountability in journalism.
He contrasted the U.S. judgment with his 2018 lawsuit in Ghana, where Justice Eric Baah dismissed his case and characterized him as a criminal—a ruling later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”
Agyapong, who had attempted to defend himself by citing his controversial documentary Who Watches the Watchman, failed to sway the jury. Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham presided over the case, with Anas’ legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., securing an 8-0 unanimous victory on all counts.
Anas emphasized that the ruling should serve as a warning to politicians and public figures who weaponize the media to discredit investigative journalism. He reaffirmed his commitment to exposing corruption and urged for continued accountability at all levels of governance.
With a final determination on punitive damages still pending, Anas expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters, calling the victory a milestone for press freedom and justice.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
