Media Freedom Advocate, Freeman Kwade, has called on journalists to unite in defense of press freedom, describing investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ recent legal victory as a significant milestone for democracy.
Speaking on ABC this morning, Kwade emphasized that the $18 million defamation judgment against former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong is not merely a personal win for Anas but a broader affirmation of the rights of journalists to protect their integrity against unfounded attacks.
“It is high time we journalists stand up for ourselves, not just as individuals but as a collective force to defend press freedom,” Kwade stated.
He further stressed, “Anas’ legal victory is more than just a personal triumph—it is a victory for investigative journalism and democracy. It sets a precedent that journalists have the right to defend their integrity against baseless attacks. Moving forward, this should serve as a lesson to anybody who seeks to undermine press freedom.”
Background of the Case
Kwade’s comments follow Anas’ landmark legal win in the United States, where a jury in Essex County, New Jersey, ruled in his favor against Kennedy Agyapong.
The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused Agyapong and media personality Frederick Asamoah of making defamatory statements against Anas on The Daddy Fred Show, an online program popular among Ghanaian audiences in the United States.
The case stemmed from accusations made by Agyapong after Anas’ 2018 BBC investigation exposed corruption in Ghanaian and African football. On the podcast, Agyapong alleged that Anas was a “criminal” and falsely implicated him in the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.
Despite admitting he lacked evidence for his claims, Agyapong’s comments led to a legal battle that spanned years and two jurisdictions.
The Court’s Ruling
In a unanimous verdict delivered on March 18, 2025, an eight-member jury found Agyapong liable for defamation, awarding Anas $18 million in damages, including $8 million in punitive damages.
This ruling overturned an earlier decision by an Accra High Court in 2018, which dismissed Anas’ case and instead vilified him—a judgment later criticized by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”
Reacting to the verdict, Anas stated, “Justice has prevailed. This victory is not just for me but for truth, press freedom, and every journalist who risks everything to expose corruption and wrongdoing. No amount of intimidation or falsehood will silence the pursuit of accountability, even in the face of assassination. Our work continues, undeterred and unafraid.”
Implications for Press Freedom
The ruling has sparked renewed discussions on press freedom and the safety of journalists in Ghana. The Ghana Police Service recently arrested a suspect linked to the murder of Anas’ colleague, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, who was killed in 2019 after his identity was exposed. The murder was linked to Anas’ football corruption exposé, further highlighting the dangers investigative journalists face.
Meanwhile, Agyapong’s lawyers had unsuccessfully argued that the case should not have been brought in the U.S. They contended that the remarks made on The Daddy Fred Show were hyperbole and should not be subject to defamation laws. However, the jury’s decision reinforced the notion that reckless statements—especially those with the potential to incite harm—carry consequences.
Conclusion
Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ victory in the U.S. court serves as a landmark case for press freedom and accountability. It sends a strong message that defamatory statements against journalists will not go unpunished and that investigative journalism remains a crucial pillar of democracy. As Kwade and other advocates stress, journalists must continue to stand together to defend their right to report freely and without fear of retribution.
