A United States federal judge has significantly reduced an $18 million defamation award against former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to just $500, dealing a surprising twist to a high-profile case filed by investigative journalist Anas Aremyaw Anas.
The original verdict, delivered by a jury, had found Agyapong guilty of maliciously defaming Anas in a case that attracted wide public interest in both Ghana and abroad.
The jury’s decision was hailed by Anas’s supporters as a major legal and moral victory, especially given Agyapong’s longstanding public campaign against the journalist.
Following the verdict, Agyapong’s legal team filed a motion for remittitur, arguing that the $18 million award was disproportionate.
The judge agreed that the amount was excessive, although he upheld the jury’s finding that defamation had occurred. The award was then reduced to $500.
Despite the drastic cut in damages, Anas remained firm in his position that the case was never about financial compensation.
“Our victory is in the judgment and not the award,” he said. “This fight has not been about the money, but rather a fight for truth and justice.”
He also pointed out that Kennedy Agyapong failed to prove any of the allegations made against him. Anas expressed satisfaction that the court gave Agyapong every opportunity to present evidence, but none stood up to scrutiny.
Anas has announced plans to appeal the reduced award and says he remains committed to his work. He vowed to continue exposing corruption and holding the powerful to account.