Former Ghanaian Parliamentarian, Kennedy Agyapong, has initiated legal action to challenge an $18 million defamation judgment rendered against him in a United States court.
He is specifically seeking a reduction in the damages awarded to investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Mr. Agyapong’s legal counsel has filed a motion in the Superior Court of New Jersey, requesting a judicial review and adjustment of the jury’s financial award.
The motion asserts that while jury verdicts are accorded significant deference, the court retains the prerogative to modify awards deemed disproportionate or excessive.
The underlying lawsuit arose from public allegations made by Mr Agyapong against Mr Anas, culminating in a substantial legal judgment in favour of the journalist. Mr. Agyapong’s legal team now argues that a reassessment of the damages is warranted to achieve a more equitable outcome.
In response to the $18 million defamation verdict secured in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, Anas Aremeyaw Anas released a statement.
“This judicial determination transcends a mere legal victory; it serves as a powerful affirmation that falsehoods and character assassination are unacceptable within our society,” Mr. Anas stated.
He emphasized that the ruling demonstrates the efficacy of the justice system when due process is observed, contrasting it with the outcome of his 2018 lawsuit in Ghana, which was unsuccessful. “Despite Mr. Agyapong’s admission of lacking evidentiary support, Justice Eric Baah denied me justice and, indeed, characterized me—the plaintiff—as a criminal,” he recalled.
Mr Anas attributed his success in the U.S. legal system to its impartiality, highlighting that Mr Agyapong presented the same evidence, titled ‘Who Watches the Watchman’, which had been previously presented in Ghana, yet a unanimous verdict was reached against him.
“This result underscores the principle that truth ultimately prevails and that accountability applies to all individuals, irrespective of their status or influence,” he asserted.
Addressing political figures, Mr Anas issued a cautionary statement: “The media cannot be treated with impunity. The press fulfils a critical function in scrutinizing power and ensuring the accountability of those in leadership positions.”
