Anas Celebrates $18M US Court Victory In Defamation Case Against Kennedy Agyapong

Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has secured an $18 million judgment in a U.S. defamation lawsuit against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong.

The Essex County, New Jersey, jury found Agyapong liable for defamatory statements made following the 2018 BBC documentary “Betraying the Game,” which exposed corruption in Ghanaian football.

Agyapong’s allegations included claims that Anas had been convicted of crimes in Ghana, orchestrated the murder of his colleague Ahmed Suale, was responsible for the deaths of multiple Chinese nationals, and labeled him a thief. These statements were deemed false and damaging by the court.

Anas hailed the verdict as a triumph for truth and a significant precedent for the protection of journalists’ reputations against unfounded attacks. He expressed hope that this outcome would deter politicians and individuals from undermining the work of investigative journalists committed to exposing corruption and promoting transparency.

This U.S. legal victory follows a previous setback for Anas in Ghana, where his defamation case against Agyapong was dismissed in 2023. The Accra High Court had ruled against Anas, criticizing his investigative methods. However, the recent U.S. court decision underscores the global nature of defamation laws and reinforces the importance of safeguarding journalists’ reputations.

The $18 million award signifies a decisive victory for Anas and serves as a crucial step in securing justice for investigative journalists who are often targeted for their work. Anas’s continued commitment to exposing corruption remains steadfast, reinforcing the role of journalism in holding power to account.