Anas Aremeyaw Anas Wins $18m In A Defamation Lawsuit Against Hon. Kennedy Agyapong.

Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist, has secured a significant victory in a defamation lawsuit against Kennedy Agyapong, a former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Ghana. A US court has awarded Anas $18 million in damages, marking a substantial triumph for the journalist .

The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by Agyapong during a September 7, 2021, interview on The Daddy Fred Show. Agyapong labeled Anas a “criminal” and a “thief,” and also alleged that Anas was responsible for the murder of fellow investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and the deaths of multiple Chinese nationals in Ghana .

Anas argued in court that these statements severely damaged his reputation and put his life in danger. In contrast, Agyapong claimed that his statements were made in the heat of a political dispute and were not meant to be taken literally .

However, the US court sided with Anas, ruling that the statements were defamatory. The verdict was delivered by an eight-member jury, which found Agyapong liable for defamation .

Anas expressed his gratitude to his legal team and supporters, stating that “justice eluded me in Ghana, but truth prevailed in the US” . This statement highlights the differences in the outcomes of the defamation cases in Ghana and the US.

In Ghana, Anas had pursued a similar defamation case against Agyapong in 2018, but the Accra High Court dismissed his claims. Anas cited remarks by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who later criticized the ruling as a “violent abuse of judicial authority”.

The US case was presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham. Agyapong, alongside his brother Ralph Agyapong, presented a defense that included audiovisual evidence titled “Who Watches the Watchman” and references to the Ghanaian court’s decision .

Despite this, the jury ruled against Agyapong, delivering an 8-0 verdict on all counts. Anas’s legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., played a crucial role in securing this victory .

The $18 million award is a significant victory for Anas, and it sends a strong message about the importance of defending one’s reputation against defamatory statements. Anas’s determination to pursue justice in the US has paid off, and his victory is a testament to his commitment to truth and accountability .

Anas’s work as an investigative journalist has had a significant impact on Ghanaian society, and his victory in this defamation case will likely embolden him to continue his important work. The outcome of this case also highlights the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable .

The case has generated significant interest in Ghana and beyond, with many praising Anas’s courage and determination in pursuing justice. The verdict is seen as a victory not just for Anas, but for the entire journalism community in Ghana .

Anas’s victory is also a testament to the power of the US legal system in protecting the rights of individuals and holding those who engage in defamation accountable. The case sets an important precedent for future defamation cases in the US .

The $18 million award is one of the largest defamation awards in recent US history, and it reflects the seriousness with which the court viewed Agyapong’s defamatory statements. The verdict is a clear warning to those who would seek to damage someone’s reputation through false and malicious statements .

Anas’s legal team is hailing the verdict as a major victory for their client and for the cause of justice. They argue that the verdict sends a strong message about the importance of protecting one’s reputation and holding those who engage in defamation accountable .

The verdict is also being seen as a major blow to Agyapong’s reputation, and it may have significant implications for his future political career. Agyapong’s lawyers are reportedly considering an appeal, but the verdict is widely seen as a major setback for the former MP .

Anas’s victory is being celebrated by many in Ghana and beyond, who see it as a major triumph for truth and accountability. The verdict is a testament to the power of the law in protecting the rights of individuals and holding those in power accountable .

The case has also highlighted the importance of responsible speech and the need for public figures to be mindful of the impact of their words. Agyapong’s defamatory statements were widely condemned, and the verdict is a clear warning to those who would seek to engage in similar behavior .

Anas’s determination to pursue justice in the US has paid off, and his victory is a testament to his commitment to truth and accountability. The verdict is a major victory for Anas and for the entire journalism community in Ghana .

The $18 million award is a significant victory for Anas, and it sends a strong message about the importance of defending one’s reputation against def.