Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has expressed hope of receiving the $18 million (£14 million) in damages awarded to him after winning a defamation case against Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong. Anas says the victory is less about the money and more about encouraging young journalists to hold powerful figures accountable.
The case stemmed from comments made by Agyapong on a podcast, where he labeled Anas a “criminal” and insinuated that the journalist was linked to the murder of fellow reporter Ahmed Suale. Anas initially pursued the case in Ghana but lost, prompting him to take the matter to the United States, where Agyapong owns property. The US court ruled in Anas’ favor, awarding him $18 million in damages, including $8 million in punitive damages.
Speaking to the BBC, Anas said the ruling sends a strong message to journalists across Africa to remain resilient in the face of intimidation. He emphasized that his victory demonstrates the importance of seeking justice even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Reflecting on the loss of his colleague, Anas expressed continued grief over the death of Ahmed Suale, who was shot dead in 2019. Despite the recent arrest of one suspect, Anas believes that others involved in Suale’s murder are still at large. He often visits the spot where Suale was killed to find solace and motivation to continue his investigative work.
Anas also criticized Ghana’s legal system, accusing some members of the judiciary of bias and failing to deliver justice. He said that his decision to take the case to New Jersey was driven by his belief that the US court system would offer a fairer judgment.
The New Jersey court’s unanimous verdict was delivered by an eight-member jury at Essex County Superior Court earlier this month. Anas hailed the ruling as a vindication of his commitment to exposing corruption, adding that his legal team had carefully assessed Agyapong’s assets in the US to ensure the judgment could be enforced.
Although Anas remains optimistic about collecting the awarded sum, he acknowledged that it might take time. His legal team has taken steps to identify and secure the MP’s assets, which Anas believes strengthens his chances of being compensated.
Anas hopes that this landmark judgment will inspire African journalists to challenge powerful figures without fear. He insists that the verdict proves that even the most influential individuals can be held accountable, regardless of their wealth or status.
He added that the outcome is a wake-up call to those who believe they are untouchable, emphasizing that journalists have the capacity and determination to confront injustice, no matter the challenges.
