U.S. Court Reduces Anas Aremeyaw Anas's $18M Defamation Award Against Kennedy Agyapong

Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has reaffirmed that his high-profile defamation lawsuit against former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, was never about financial compensation but rather a pursuit of “truth and justice.”

In a statement dated May 11, 2025, Anas responded to the dramatic reduction in the damages awarded in his U.S. defamation case, where a jury initially awarded him $18 million, but a judge later reduced it to $500.

“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption — and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail,” Anas said, making clear that his commitment to holding the powerful accountable remains unshaken.

The case, decided in Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey in March 2025, found Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation after spreading false allegations about Anas during a 2022 appearance on The Daddy Fred Show. Among the most damaging claims were accusations that Anas was a criminal and was involved in the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale.

From $18M to $500: Why the Reduction?

After the jury awarded Anas $18 million in damages, Agyapong’s legal team filed a motion for remittitur, asking the court to reduce the amount. The judge agreed, ruling that although Agyapong had defamed Anas, the original award was “excessive.”

Anas clarified:

“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.”

He added that while several legal options remain open, his focus was never about financial gain:

“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.”

“Not a Single Allegation Proven”

Anas noted that despite having the opportunity, Agyapong failed to substantiate any of the allegations he made in court:

“I am happy that not a single allegation was proven against me in court when Kennedy Agyapong was given full opportunity to substantiate.”

Impact on Journalism and Public Discourse

Anas also emphasized that this case sends a powerful signal to politicians and public figures in Ghana: that the media cannot be disrespected or silenced with impunity.

“This ruling is not just a personal vindication. It serves as a warning to those who think they can smear journalists and go scot-free.”