Former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, has stirred reactions online after offering to pay $5,000 to investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas—ten times the amount a U.S. court awarded against him in a defamation case.
In a video circulating on social media on May 12, Agyapong is seen reacting light-heartedly to the ruling, making a sarcastic offer far above the court-imposed amount.
“Hahahaha! Maybe we have to give Anas five thousand,” he said in the video, laughing and clapping his hands, as those around him joined in the amusement.
The statement follows a recent U.S. federal court decision that drastically reduced the original $18 million in damages awarded to Anas, cutting it down to just $500.
The initial verdict had found Agyapong guilty of defaming the journalist, after a jury ruled in Anas’s favour. However, Agyapong’s legal team successfully filed for a remittitur, arguing the amount was excessive.
While the judge upheld the jury’s ruling that Agyapong had defamed Anas, he described the $18 million award as disproportionate and adjusted it to the significantly lower figure.
Responding to the ruling, Anas made it clear that for him, the case was never about financial compensation.
“Our victory is in the judgment and not the award,” he said.
“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.”
He went on to emphasize that Agyapong had failed to prove any of the claims he had made against him 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,” he added.
Though the damages were slashed, Anas indicated he intends to appeal the court’s decision. He reaffirmed his dedication to investigative journalism and fighting corruption.
“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption—and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail,” he declared.
The ruling and subsequent reactions have reignited debate over press freedom, defamation, and the power dynamics between journalists and political figures in Ghana and beyond.
