Ghanaian Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas Awarded $18 Million for Defamation
Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been awarded $18 million in damages from a US court after being defamed by former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong. The defamation arose from Agyapong’s comments on a podcast that accused Anas of being a criminal and involved in the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale. Anas vowed to continue fighting corruption despite previous losses in court.
Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been awarded $18 million in damages by a US court due to defamation by former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong. The case stemmed from disparaging remarks made by Agyapong following Anas’s 2018 BBC investigation into football corruption in Ghana and beyond. The court heard that Agyapong labeled Anas a “criminal” and accused him of involvement in the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale.
Anas had previously lost a similar defamation case in Ghana seven years ago. However, after Agyapong’s remarks resurfaced in a 2021 podcast episode, Anas sought legal redress in New Jersey, where Agyapong owns property. During a podcast appearance, Agyapong made the comments that prompted the lawsuit.
The Essex County Superior Court jury unanimously found Agyapong liable for defamation, resulting in the ruling confirmed last week. The $18 million award includes $8 million in punitive damages. Anas expressed his gratitude, stating, “Justice has prevailed. This victory is not just for me, but for truth, press freedom, and every journalist risking everything to expose corruption and wrongdoing.”
The journalist, an internationally recognized figure for his reporting, pledged to continue combating corruption. Agyapong’s defense sought to dismiss the case, arguing it should not have been brought before a US court and contended that his remarks were hyperbole and protected opinion, not subject to defamation.
Additionally, in a separate case, Ghanaian police have arrested a suspect linked to the murder of Anas’s colleague, Ahmed Suale, who was killed in 2019. This suspect is believed to have shared pictures of Suale with a prominent Ghanaian politician before his murder. Suale’s assassination was also connected to a corruption investigation in African football, as reported by BBC Africa Eye.
The judgment against Kennedy Agyapong reinforces the importance of journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth. Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s victory serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against corruption within the media landscape. As the case highlights both legal and ethical considerations surrounding defamation, Anas’s commitment to journalism remains steadfast despite challenges. This incident underscores the need for protection and support for investigative journalists globally.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
