A US court has ruled in favor of investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, awarding him $18 million in damages in a defamation case against former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong, according to 3News.
The Essex County Superior Court’s decision stems from a lawsuit Anas filed after Agyapong made damning allegations against him during a 2021 interview on The Daddy Fred Show.
Agyapong accused Anas of being a “criminal” and a “thief,” further alleging his involvement in the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale and the deaths of several Chinese nationals.
Anas argued that these claims not only tarnished his reputation but also endangered his life.
This legal victory comes after Ghana’s Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a defamation case against Agyapong.
Despite Agyapong’s defense that his remarks were made in the heat of political discourse, the US court found them to be defamatory.
The defamation case between investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong has its roots in a long-standing feud between the two, largely centered around Anas’ undercover journalism and Agyapong’s outspoken criticism of his methods.
Background
Anas, known for his investigative work through the Tiger Eye PI team, has exposed corruption across various sectors, including politics, law enforcement, and sports. His controversial Number 12 documentary, which uncovered bribery in Ghanaian football, led to the downfall of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Kennedy Agyapong, a businessman and politician, has been a vocal critic of Anas, accusing him of entrapment, blackmail, and corruption. Agyapong intensified his attacks after the assassination of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale in 2019.
Suale was a key member of Tiger Eye PI and worked closely with Anas on Number 12. Before Suale’s murder, Agyapong had publicly displayed his photo on television, calling for people to “deal with him.” This raised concerns about his possible role in Suale’s death, though he has denied any involvement.
The Defamation Case
In a 2021 interview on The Daddy Fred Show, Agyapong went further, labeling Anas a “criminal” and a “thief” while also accusing him of orchestrating Suale’s murder and being responsible for the deaths of multiple Chinese nationals.
Anas sued Agyapong for defamation, arguing that the accusations not only damaged his reputation but also put his life at risk.
The case was initially taken to Ghana’s Supreme Court, where Anas suffered a setback after the court dismissed his claims. However, he later filed a separate lawsuit in the United States, specifically in the Essex County Superior Court.
The US court ruled in Anas’ favor, awarding him $18 million in damages and declaring Agyapong’s remarks defamatory.
