Kennedy Agyapong Ordered to Pay $18 Million in Damages in US Defamation Case
In a significant legal development, former Ghanaian Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has been ordered by a US court to pay $18 million in damages to investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. This ruling stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Anas against Kennedy Agyapong following a series of dafamatory statements made during an interview on a US-based Vlog program.
Kennedy Agyapong, Ghana's loud and prominent politician, who has been a Member of Parliament for nearly two decades. He first entered parliament in 2000, representing Assin North,in 2012. Known for his outspoken nature and controversial remarks, Agyapong has been a key player in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even contesting the party's presidential primaries in .
The Defamation Case
The defamation case centers around comments made by Kennedy Agyapong during an appearance on "The Daddy Fred Show," a program hosted by US-based Ghanaian Frederick Asamoah, on September 7, 2021. During the broadcast, Agyapong labeled Anas a "criminal" and a "thief," further alleging that Anas was involved in the murder of fellow investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and the deaths of multiple Chinese nationals in Ghana.
Anas, renowned for his undercover investigations exposing corruption, argued that these statements severely damaged his reputation and endangered his life. He filed the defamation lawsuit in the United States after Ghana's Supreme Court dismissed an earlier defamation case he had filed against Agyapong.
The US Court Ruling
The Essex County Superior Court in the United States ruled in favor of Anas, finding Agyapong's statements to be defamatory and awarding $18 million in damages. Agyapong had defended his remarks as part of a heated political dispute and not meant to be taken literally, but the court disagreed, emphasizing the serious harm caused to Anas' reputation.
Implications and Reactions
This legal victory for Anas underscores the importance of protecting one's reputation, especially in the age of global media. The ruling highlights that even statements made in the context of political disputes can have legal consequences if they are deemed defamatory.
Agyapong's legal team has requested a remittitur, which is a request to reduce the amount of damages awarded. However, the court's decision marks a significant moment in the fight against defamation and the protection of journalists' rights in Ghana where a similar case was dismissed by the supreme court.
Kennedy Agyapong's Political Ambitions
His brother, Ralph Agyapong, has in a recent interview confirmed that Kennedy will contest the NPP's presidential primaries ahead of the 2028 elections. This follows his unsuccessful bid in the 2024 primaries, where he lost to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The $18 million defamation ruling against Kennedy Agyapong serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of defamatory statements, even in the context of political discourse. As Agyapong prepares for another presidential bid, many believe that this legal outcome may impact his political standing and public image. The case also reaffirm the challenges faced by journalists like Anas, who risk their lives to expose corruption.
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