Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has finally spoken after his major victory in a US court against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong.
In a press release, Anas expressed his “profound sense of vindication and determination” following the Essex County Superior Court’s unanimous verdict finding Agyapong liable for defamation and awarding damages of $18 million.
The defamation suit stemmed from statements Agyapong made after the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, “Betraying the Game,” on October 28, 2018.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas emphasized that this decision is not just a legal triumph, but also a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in society. “It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians,” he stated.
Anas also highlighted the significant hurdle he overcame in proving defamation in the United States, which requires clear and convincing evidence of malice.
“That the jury ruled unanimously in my favour underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me,” he noted.
In contrast to the US court’s decision, Anas recalled his experience in Ghana, where he pursued a similar lawsuit in 2018 but was denied justice.
Despite Kennedy Agyapong’s admission of lacking evidence to support his claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court portrayed Anas as a criminal.
This ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority”.
Anas praised the fairness and accountability demonstrated in the New Jersey proceedings, which were presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham.
He also thanked his legal team, supporters, and everyone who stood by him in his pursuit of truth.
“As we await the final determination on punitive damages, let this milestone serve as a rallying call for all who believe in a just and transparent society,” Anas concluded.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
