US Court Awards Investigative Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas $18 Million in Defamation Case Against Former Ghanaian MP Agyapong

The Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO) has hailed the ruling of a United States court awarding $18 million in damages to Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. The Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey ruled in favour of Anas in a defamation lawsuit against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong and social media personality Frederick Asamoah.

CENOZO described the verdict as a victory for press freedom and a warning against defamatory attacks on journalists. In a statement released on 21 March 2025, the organisation criticised Ghana’s judiciary for dismissing Anas’s case when he first sought legal redress in his home country.

The defamation case originated from comments Agyapong made during an interview on The Daddy Fred Show, a programme hosted by Ghanaian-American Frederick Asamoah, on 7 September 2021. Agyapong accused Anas of being a criminal and a thief and linked him to the killing of Ahmed Suale and the deaths of Chinese nationals in Ghana. These claims, which had no evidence to support them, damaged Anas’s reputation and risked his life.

Anas initially filed a defamation lawsuit in Ghana. However, the country’s Supreme Court dismissed the case in a controversial ruling, with Interim Justice Eric Baah calling Anas “a blackmailer, corrupt, extortionist, and evil.” Press freedom advocates had condemned the judgment and described it as biased. Following this legal setback, Anas pursued justice in the United States, where he filed a defamation suit in New Jersey.

The Essex County Superior Court ruled that Agyapong’s statements were defamatory and had caused severe harm. Agyapong defended himself by arguing that his remarks were made during a political dispute and should not be taken literally. The court rejected his defence and stated that the nature of his comments was precise and damaging. It ordered Agyapong and Asamoah to pay Anas $18 million in damages.

CENOZO hailed the ruling as a landmark decision that upholds journalists’ rights. Its president, David Dembele, said the verdict was a victory for Anas and every journalist in Africa who has faced defamation and threats.

The group also demanded a thorough investigation into the murder of Ahmed Suale. In 2019, Agyapong publicly shared Suale’s picture and home address on live television, urging viewers to attack him. Suale was shot dead shortly after, yet no one has been prosecuted. CENOZO called for an independent panel to investigate his murder and ensure justice is served.

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