Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has welcomed a US court ruling that found former Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong guilty of defamation, describing it as a victory for truth—despite a significant reduction in the damages awarded.
A jury in the United States had initially awarded Anas $18 million a few weeks ago after determining that Mr Agyapong had maliciously defamed him. However, the trial judge later reduced the figure to $500, describing the jury’s award as excessive—while maintaining that defamation had indeed taken place.
In a statement released on Sunday, 11 May 2025, Anas said the case had always been about clearing his name rather than seeking monetary compensation.
“Our victory is in the judgement, not the award. Kennedy Agyapong filed a motion to reduce the amount, and in doing so, admitted to having maliciously defamed me,” the journalist said.
The defamation suit stemmed from comments Mr Agyapong made in the aftermath of Anas’ 2018 undercover documentary—aired by the BBC’s Africa Eye—which exposed widespread corruption in African football. Mr Agyapong accused Anas of criminal conduct and linked him to the 2019 murder of fellow investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
The court ruled that those statements were false and defamatory. However, following a legal application by Mr Agyapong’s legal team, the awarded damages were lowered to $500.
A video that has since gone viral on social media shows Mr Agyapong surrounded by supporters, singing gospel songs and celebrating the outcome. In the footage, he is heard ridiculing the reduced amount and stating that a member of his team had already paid it.
“This lady is going to America on Thursday, so give her the $500. Maybe we have to give Anas $5,000,” he says in the video.
Anas, however, reaffirmed his commitment to journalism and the fight against corruption.
“I am happy that not a single allegation was proven against me in court when Kennedy Agyapong was given full opportunity to substantiate them,” he said.
He concluded his statement by pledging to continue his work:
“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption—and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail.”
