Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has reiterated that his legal battle with former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, was never about financial gain but a stand for “truth and justice.”
In a press statement dated May 11, 2025, Anas responded to the latest development in the defamation suit filed against Kennedy Agyapong in the United States, confirming that the initial damages of $18 million awarded by a jury had been reduced to $500.
“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption — and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail,” he said, emphasizing that his mission to hold the powerful accountable remains unchanged.
Back in March 2025, Anas secured a significant legal victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, where a jury found Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation. The lawsuit, which stemmed from statements made during an episode of The Daddy Fred Show, accused Agyapong and media personality Frederick Asamoah of spreading false and damaging claims — including allegations that Anas was a criminal and responsible for the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
Following the jury’s decision, Agyapong filed a motion for remittitur, urging the court to reduce the damages. The judge granted the request, lowering the initial award from $18 million to $500.
Anas clarified that the judge did not dismiss the defamation ruling but rather deemed the jury’s monetary award “excessive.”
“This means that, while the judge held that Kennedy Agyapong had defamed me, in his reasoning, the award against Kennedy Agyapong by the jury was excessive,” Anas explained.
He added that although several legal options remain open to him, “it is important to state, as I previously did, that, this fight has not been about the money, but rather, a fight for truth and justice.”
Reflecting on the broader impact of the case, Anas described the outcome as more than just a personal win. He said it sends a strong message to Ghanaian politicians that the media cannot be disrespected or silenced without consequence.
“I am happy that not a single allegation was proven against me in court when Kennedy Agyapong was given full opportunity to substantiate,” he noted.
US Court slashes $18m defamation award against Ken Agyapong to $500
