Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been awarded $18 million in damages by a U.S. court after defamation claims against former MP Kennedy Agyapong. The case stemmed from Agyapong’s accusations against Anas regarding his involvement in the death of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale. This victory is seen as a crucial win for press freedom and accountability in journalism.
A United States court has awarded Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas $18 million (£14 million) in damages after a jury found he was defamed by former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong. This case originated from remarks made by Agyapong following Anas’s investigative report for the BBC in 2018, which exposed rampant football corruption in Ghana and beyond.
In the course of the trial, it was presented that Agyapong accused Anas of being a “criminal” and insinuated that he was involved in the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale. Anas had previously lost a legal case in Ghana seven years ago but sought justice in the United States after Agyapong’s comments were broadcast on the Daddy Fred Show podcast in 2021, while Agyapong was in New Jersey.
The Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey affirmed the initial verdict last Tuesday, resulting in the jury unanimously ruling Agyapong liable for defamation. The awarded damages included $8 million in punitive damages designed to penalize Agyapong for his statements.
In response to the verdict, Anas stated, “Justice has prevailed. This victory is not just for me, but for truth, press freedom, and every journalist who risks everything to expose corruption and wrongdoing.” He emphasized his commitment to pursue accountability without fear of intimidation or danger.
Agyapong’s legal team contended that the case should not have been filed in the U.S. and asserted that his comments were expressions of opinion, protected under free speech, and therefore not actionable as defamation. Meanwhile, connections to Ahmed Suale’s murder are still being investigated, with police in Ghana recently arresting a suspect linked to this case, which has also been associated with the corrupt practices uncovered in African football by BBC Africa Eye.
The ruling in favor of Anas Aremeyaw Anas signifies a pivotal moment for press freedom and accountability in journalism. It highlights the challenges faced by investigative reporters in combating corruption. The significant damages awarded underscore the legal recognition of defamation and the importance of protecting journalists against false accusations. Ongoing investigations into the murder of Ahmed Suale emphasize the perilous environment in which journalists operate and the necessity for continued advocacy against corruption in the media.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
