‘Character assassination have no place in our society’ – Anas after US Court ruling

After winning in New Jersey’s Essex County Superior Court, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has sent a strong message to the media and politicians.

Kennedy Agyapong, a former MP, was found guilty of defamation by a jury and given $18 million in damages.

“This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society,” Anas said.

“It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians.”

The action focused on Agyapong’s defamatory remarks following the October 28, 2018, broadcast of the BBC’s investigative documentary Betraying the Game.

Anas underlined the importance of the unanimous jury decision and the strict legal requirements for establishing defamation in the United States.

He pointed out that “Proving defamation in the United States is an exceptionally high hurdle, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice.”

“That the jury ruled unanimously in my favour underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”

Anas compared his experience in Ghana, where a similar defamation action against Agyapong in 2018 had a very different outcome, to the U.S. verdict.

“In Ghana, justice eluded me,” he lamented. “Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal.”

Anas cited Justice Kulendi of the Supreme Court, who denounced the Ghanaian decision as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”

He described the difference between the two legal systems as a clear indication that Ghana needs immediate judicial reforms.

“In contrast, the proceedings in New Jersey demonstrated fairness and accountability,” he said.

“Despite presenting the same ‘Who Watches the Watchman’ evidence and even citing the Ghanaian judgment, Mr Agyapong’s defence collapsed before the weight of truth.”

Anas took the opportunity to issue a warning to politicians about their treatment of journalists and the media.

“Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he declared.

Read the full statement below:

Press Release by Anas Aremeyaw Anas after US Essex County Court Victory

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

I stand before you today with a profound sense of vindication and determination. Yesterday, in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, an eight-member jury delivered a unanimous verdict finding Kennedy Agyapong—former member of the Ghanaian Parliament—liable for defamation and awarding damages of 18 million U.S. dollars. These damages arise from statements he made following the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, “Betraying the Game,” on October 28, 2018.

This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society. It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians.

This victory is especially significant for me because proving defamation in the United States is an exceptionally high hurdle, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice. That the jury ruled unanimously in my favor underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.

Regrettably, the situation in Ghana was starkly different. 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 not only denied me justice but also 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.

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.

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.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my legal team—Andrew Deheer, Esq., Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq.—to my supporters, and to everyone who has stood by my side in this relentless pursuit of truth. As we await the final determination on punitive damages, let this milestone serve as a rallying call for all who believe in a just and transparent society.

The fight against corruption continues unabated. We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society.

Thank you.

#IAmAnas #JeSuisAnas #AnasIsWatching #DoTheRightThing #SayNoToCorruption

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com