In a landmark decision, the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey has found former Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Agyapong guilty of defaming investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. The eight-member jury delivered a unanimous verdict, awarding Anas $18 million in damages.
The defamation case stemmed from statements made by Agyapong following the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, “Betraying the Game,” on October 28, 2018. Anas hailed the verdict as a significant affirmation that “falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society,” emphasizing its importance in reinforcing the commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all Ghanaians.
Highlighting the challenges of proving defamation in the United States, Anas noted that the unanimous jury decision underscored that Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks. He contrasted this outcome with his previous legal battle in Ghana, where a similar lawsuit in 2018 did not yield justice. Despite Agyapong’s admission of lacking evidence for his claims, the Accra High Court dismissed Anas’s case and unjustly portrayed him as a criminal. This Ghanaian ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority,” highlighting systemic flaws within the Ghanaian judicial system that demand urgent reform.
The New Jersey proceedings, presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, showcased fairness and accountability. Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong, testified, presenting audiovisual evidence titled “Who Watches the Watchman” and citing the Ghanaian judgment in their defense. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, leading to the unanimous verdict in favor of Anas.
Anas emphasized that this outcome sends a powerful message to Ghanaian politicians: the media cannot be taken for granted. He reiterated the indispensable role of the press in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, warning that any attempts to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance.
Expressing gratitude to his legal team and supporters, Anas reaffirmed his commitment to the fight against corruption, vowing to persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in society.
Background on the Anas-Agyapong Defamation Case
The legal battle between Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Kennedy Agyapong traces back to 2018, following the release of the BBC documentary “Betraying the Game,” which exposed corruption within Ghanaian football. In response, Agyapong launched a series of public attacks against Anas, questioning his integrity and methods. Anas filed a defamation lawsuit in Ghana, but the Accra High Court dismissed the case, a decision criticized by legal experts and highlighting concerns about the judicial process in Ghana.
Seeking justice, Anas pursued legal action in the United States, where Agyapong had also made defamatory statements. The recent $18 million verdict in New Jersey marks a significant turn in this protracted legal saga, underscoring the challenges and complexities involved in defamation cases across different legal systems.
