Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has criticized Ghana’s justice system, stating that it has consistently failed to uphold its core principles.
His remarks follow his legal victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, where a jury found former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages.
“Mr. Agyapong, in a desperate bid to silence me, labelled me a land grabber and extortionist, a murderer, a tax evader and a blackmailer who ought to be hanged. These were not just lie. They were calculated attempts to destroy my credibility and put my life in danger,” Anas said.
The defamation case stemmed from accusations made by Agyapong after the release of the BBC’s investigative documentary Betraying the Game on October 28, 2018. Anas noted that his legal battle in Ghana over similar claims did not yield justice, pointing to what he believes is a deep flaw in the country’s judicial system.
“While Ghana’s legal system failed to deliver justice in 2018…” he said in a video released following the verdict of the defamation case between him and Kennedy Agyapong.
Anas emphasized the importance of the U.S. ruling, highlighting the rigorous legal standards required to prove defamation.
“Proving defamation in the United States is an exceptionally high hurdle, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice,” he noted. “That the jury ruled unanimously in my favour underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”
He contrasted the New Jersey court’s verdict with the Ghanaian ruling in 2018, in which his case against Agyapong was dismissed by Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court.
“In Ghana, justice eluded me,” he lamented. “Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal.”
Anas also cited Supreme Court Justice Kulendi’s criticism of the Ghanaian ruling, describing it as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.” He called for urgent judicial reforms, noting that Ghana’s system failed to meet the standards of fairness and accountability demonstrated in the U.S. proceedings.
“In contrast, the proceedings in New Jersey demonstrated fairness and accountability,” he said. “Despite presenting the same ‘Who Watches the Watchman’ evidence and even citing the Ghanaian judgment, Mr. Agyapong’s defence collapsed before the weight of truth.”
Beyond the courtroom victory, Anas issued a stern warning to Ghanaian politicians and the media regarding their treatment of journalists.
“Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he declared. “The press plays an indispensable role in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance.”
He expressed gratitude to his legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq., and supporters who stood by him throughout the legal battle. With punitive damages yet to be determined, Anas reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption.
“The fight against corruption continues unabated,” he asserted. “We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society.”
His victory has reignited debates on judicial integrity, press freedom, and the influence of political power in shaping public narratives, underscoring the broader implications of his legal battle.
