Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has sent a strong message to both politicians and the media following his $18 million defamation victory over former MP Kennedy Agyapong in a U.S. court.
An Essex County, New Jersey, jury found Agyapong liable for defamation after making false statements about Anas during a broadcast of The Daddy Fred Show, leading to the significant award in damages. “This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehoods and character assassination have no place in our society,” Anas said, emphasizing the ruling’s importance for both democracy and truth in journalism.
Anas pointed out the high legal bar for defamation claims in the U.S., noting that it requires clear, convincing evidence of malice. “That the jury ruled unanimously in my favor underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me,” Anas remarked, drawing attention to the rigorous standards in U.S. law.
The case stemmed from Mr. Agyapong’s comments following the 2018 release of the BBC’s Betraying the Game documentary, which exposed corruption in Ghanaian football. Anas highlighted the stark contrast between this U.S. victory and his legal experiences in Ghana, where a defamation lawsuit against Agyapong in 2018 resulted in a very different outcome.
“In Ghana, justice eluded me,” Anas lamented, pointing to the Accra High Court’s dismissal of his case and its decision to portray him as the villain despite Agyapong’s lack of evidence. He quoted Supreme Court Justice Kulendi’s condemnation of the Ghanaian ruling as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”
This victory, Anas argued, is a reminder of the need for judicial reform in Ghana, contrasting it with the fairness and accountability he experienced in New Jersey. “Despite presenting the same evidence, Mr. Agyapong’s defense collapsed under the weight of truth,” he declared.
Anas took the opportunity to address politicians, particularly in Ghana, warning them not to undermine journalists. “Today’s outcome sends a powerful message: you cannot take the media for granted,” he stressed. “The press is essential for holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to silence this function will be met with resistance.”
Grateful for the support of his legal team and supporters, Anas made it clear that the fight against corruption would continue, with or without the challenges. “The fight against corruption continues unabated,” he asserted. “We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society.”
The ruling has sparked renewed conversations about press freedom, the integrity of judicial systems, and the ongoing battle to ensure politicians cannot manipulate the narrative to suit their interests.
Source:TheDotNews