A Tale of Two Verdicts: Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s Defamation Suit Against Kennedy Agyapong
The story of investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s defamation lawsuit against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong unfolds as a stark contrast in legal outcomes, highlighting the divergent perspectives on journalistic practices and the value placed on reputation and justice across different judicial systems. Anas, known for his undercover investigative work exposing corruption in Ghana and beyond, found himself at the center of a legal battle that would span continents and yield dramatically different results. The crux of the matter rested on allegedly defamatory statements made by Agyapong against Anas on a popular online program, ‘The Daddy Fred Show’, viewed widely by Ghanaians in the United States.
The allegations leveled by Agyapong were serious and far-reaching, painting Anas as a criminal, a thief, and even implicating him in the murder of fellow investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, who had worked alongside Anas on the explosive #Number 12 documentary exposing corruption within Ghanaian football. Agyapong further claimed that Anas had been convicted of crimes in Ghana and was responsible for the deaths of Chinese nationals in the country. These accusations, Anas argued, were not only false but also deeply damaging to his reputation and career as an investigative journalist. His pursuit of justice began in Ghana, where he filed a defamation suit against Agyapong in 2018, seeking GH¢25 million in damages.
However, the Ghanaian legal system proved to be an inhospitable ground for Anas’s claims. In a surprising turn of events, the Accra High Court not only dismissed the case but also launched a critique of Anas’s investigative methods, labeling them "investigative terrorism." This judgment, delivered in 2023, dealt a significant blow to Anas’s efforts and raised concerns about the perceived protection afforded to public figures who criticize journalists, particularly those engaged in sensitive investigations. The Supreme Court of Ghana subsequently upheld the High Court’s decision in 2024, further solidifying the setback for Anas within his own country.
Undeterred by the adverse rulings in Ghana, Anas pursued a parallel legal avenue in the United States, where the defamatory statements had also been broadcast. This strategic move would prove to be a turning point in his quest for justice. Filing a lawsuit in Essex County, New Jersey, in 2022, Anas once again confronted Agyapong, this time within the jurisdiction of the American legal system. The U.S. lawsuit, naming both Agyapong and media personality Frederick Asamoah as defendants, reiterated the defamatory nature of the statements made on ‘The Daddy Fred Show’ and sought redress for the damage inflicted on Anas’s reputation.
The American legal proceedings culminated in a resounding victory for Anas. An Essex County jury, after considering the evidence and arguments presented, delivered a unanimous verdict in his favor, awarding him a substantial $18 million in damages. This landmark decision stood in stark contrast to the outcomes in Ghana, underscoring the differing legal interpretations and societal values surrounding freedom of speech, defamation, and the role of investigative journalism. The U.S. ruling affirmed the seriousness of the false accusations made against Anas and provided a measure of vindication for the harm he had suffered.
The contrasting verdicts in Ghana and the U.S. ignited public discourse and criticism, particularly regarding the perceived inadequacies of Ghana’s judicial system. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a legal practitioner and convener of the Fix The Country Movement, voiced his frustration on social media, highlighting the disparity between the American jury’s recognition of the value of Anas’s work and the Ghanaian courts’ dismissal and condemnation of his methods. Barker-Vormawor’s commentary drew attention to broader concerns about the justice system in Ghana, including what he viewed as inadequate compensation awarded in wrongful death cases. The case of Anas Aremeyaw Anas thus became a symbol of the challenges faced by investigative journalists and the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice in Ghana and beyond.
