Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has declared that falsehood and character assassination must not be tolerated in any society, following his legal victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey.

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The court found Ghanaian politician Kennedy Agyapong guilty of defamation, ordering him to pay $18 million in damages.

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Anas, known for his undercover exposés on corruption, emphasized that the ruling was not just a personal triumph but a significant stand against misinformation and reputational attacks.

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

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The lawsuit stemmed from statements made by Agyapong in the aftermath of the BBC documentary Betraying the Game, which was released on October 28, 2018. Agyapong had accused Anas of misconduct, allegations the journalist said were baseless and intended to tarnish his credibility.

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The jury's unanimous decision underscored the high bar required to prove defamation in the U.S., something Anas highlighted as a crucial aspect of the case.

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“Proving defamation in the United States is an exceptionally high hurdle, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice,” he noted. “That the jury ruled unanimously in my favour underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”

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Drawing a stark comparison, Anas pointed to his failed defamation case against Agyapong in Ghana, where the court dismissed his claims despite Agyapong's admission of lacking evidence to support his accusations.

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“In Ghana, justice eluded me,” Anas 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.”

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He further cited Ghanaian Supreme Court Justice Kulendi's critique of the ruling, labeling it a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”

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According to Anas, the outcome of the U.S. case served as a reminder of the disparities between legal systems and highlighted the need for judicial reforms in Ghana.

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“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.”

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With the verdict in his favor, Anas issued a strong warning to politicians who seek to undermine journalists and the media.

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

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Anas also extended gratitude to his legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., and to those who supported him throughout the legal battle. As he awaits the determination of punitive damages, he reaffirmed his dedication to his anti-corruption mission.

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

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His victory has reignited discussions on press freedom, judicial integrity, and the role of political influence in shaping public narratives.

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