Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has issued a Press Statement after a court in the US ruled in his favour.
The Essex County Superior Court jury in New Jersey against Ghanaian politician and former Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Agyapong in the defamation case. The jury awarded Anas $18 million in damages.
The verdict was delivered by an eight-member jury, which found Agyapong liable for defamation.
It would be recalled that following the airing of the BBC’s documentary “Betraying the Game” on October 28, 2018, Kennedy is said to have made some statements that attacked the integrity of the famous journalist.
According to Press Release by Anas on his official facebook page, the ruling reaffirms the legal standards for proving defamation in the United States, which require clear and convincing evidence of malice.
The statement noted that the unanimous decision suggests that Agyapong acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
He referenced a similar lawsuit he pursued in Ghana in 2018, in which he did not receive a favorable ruling. Anas stated that despite Agyapong’s admission of lacking evidence, the Accra High Court dismissed his claims. He also cited remarks by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who later criticized the ruling as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”
The US case was presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham. Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, alongside his brother Ralph Agyapong, presented a defense that included audiovisual evidence titled “Who Watches the Watchman” and references to the Ghanaian court’s decision.
However, the jury ruled against him, delivering an 8-0 verdict on all counts.
Anas, on his side was represented by a legal team led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., alongside Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq. He expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters.
Although the jury has already awarded Anas Aremeyaw Anas $18 million in damages, the court has yet to decide on any additional punitive damages that may be imposed on Kennedy Agyapong. The final determination will decide if Agyapong should pay an extra amount beyond the initial award.
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