U.S. Court Slashes Anas’ $18M Defamation Award Against Kennedy Agyapong to $500

In a significant development in the defamation lawsuit between Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and former Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, a U.S. court has reduced the initial $18 million damages awarded to Anas to $500.

The original verdict, delivered by a jury in Essex County Superior Court, New Jersey, in March 2025, found Agyapong liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages.

The lawsuit centered on statements made by Agyapong during a 2021 broadcast of “The Daddy Fred Show,” where he accused Anas of criminal activities and falsely linked him to the 2019 murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale.

Following the verdict, Agyapong filed a motion for remittitur, requesting the court to reduce the damages, arguing that the amount was excessive. On May 11, 2025, the trial judge granted this motion, reducing the award to $500.

Despite the reduction, the judge upheld the jury’s finding that Agyapong had defamed Anas.

In a press release dated May 11, Anas stated, “Our victory is in the judgment and not the award.” He emphasized that the case was never about monetary compensation but about affirming the truth and seeking justice.

Anas expressed satisfaction that none of Agyapong’s allegations were substantiated in court, reinforcing his commitment to investigative journalism and anti-corruption efforts.

The case has drawn significant attention in Ghana, highlighting issues of press freedom and the challenges journalists face when confronting powerful figures.

Anas’s victory in the U.S. court contrasts with previous legal outcomes in Ghana, where similar defamation claims have been dismissed.

Anas concluded his statement by reaffirming his dedication to exposing corruption, stating, “I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption—and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail.”