Renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has responded to his recent legal victory in the United States, where the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey ruled in his favour in a defamation case against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong.
The court awarded Anas $18 million in damages, a ruling he describes as a vindication of truth and accountability.
In a statement following the ruling, Anas emphasized the significance of the case, especially considering the difficult legal standard for proving defamation in the United States. He noted that the jury’s unanimous 8-0 verdict underscored Agyapong’s reckless and malicious attacks against him following the BBC documentary “Betraying the Game” release in 2018.
Reflecting on his previous attempt to seek justice in Ghana, Anas lamented the stark contrast between the two judicial outcomes.
“In 2018, when I pursued a similar lawsuit there, justice eluded me. Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court denied me justice and unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal.
This ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who described it as a ‘violent abuse of judicial authority.’ Such outcomes are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform.”
He pointed out how the New Jersey court proceedings demonstrated fairness and accountability, with Kennedy Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong, testifying in his defense.
“In contrast, the proceedings in New Jersey demonstrated fairness and accountability. Presided over by the Honorable Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, the case saw Mr. Agyapong take the stand alongside his brother, Ralph Agyapong. As he had in Ghana, he introduced audiovisual evidence under the title ‘Who Watches the Watchman’ and even cited the Ghanaian judgment in his defense.
Despite these efforts, our case—thoroughly prepared and presented by my legal team led by Andrew Deheer, Esq.—prevailed with an 8-0 verdict on every count. This outcome proves that the truth prevails and that accountability must extend to everyone, regardless of their position or influence.”
Anas used the victory to send a strong message to Ghanaian politicians, warning against attempts to silence or undermine the media.
“Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted. The press plays an indispensable role in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance.”
He expressed gratitude to his legal team—including Andrew Deheer, Arthur Wemegah, Evans Selasi Adika, and Odei Krow—as well as his supporters who stood by him throughout the legal battle.
Anas reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption, stating that this victory only strengthens his resolve to expose wrongdoing and hold the powerful accountable.
The post Justice eluded me in Ghana, but truth prevailed in the US – Anas appeared first on MyNewsGh.
