You Cannot Take the Media for Granted - Anas tells Politicians After $18M Defamation Win Against Ken Agyapong
New Jersey, USA - 19 March, 2025 -Following his decisive $18 million defamation win against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, Anas reminded politicians that undermining the media comes at a steep price.
The renowned journalist in a social media post, emphasized the indispensable role of the press in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable. Anas also expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters, reaffirming his commitment to fighting corruption and promoting press freedom.
The case stems from statements made by Agyapong following the airing of the BBC documentary "Betraying the Game" in 2018, which exposed corruption in African football Anas emphasized that the ruling is not just a personal victory but a testament to the importance of press freedom and accountability.
A New Jersey jury found former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages.
In a stark contrast to the Ghanaian justice system, Anas highlighted the challenges of proving defamation in the US, where the legal threshold requires clear and convincing evidence of malice.
He lamented that his previous attempt to seek justice in Ghana was unsuccessful, with the court denying him justice and portraying him as a criminal.
Anas used the moment to remind politicians that undermining the media comes at a cost, emphasizing that the press is indispensable in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable. He expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters, reaffirming his commitment to fighting corruption and promoting press freedom.
“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,'' Anas wrote on facebook.
“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,'' he added.
Below is the facebook post from Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Source: Lead News Online
