Investigative journalist Anas Aremyaw Anas has responded to a U.S. court decision that drastically reduced the $18 million defamation award initially granted against former Ghanaian legislator, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to just $500, declaring that the real victory lies in the judgment, not the monetary compensation.
A jury had earlier found Agyapong guilty of maliciously defaming Anas, awarding him $18 million in damages.
However, the court has now reduced the amount following a motion for remittitur filed by Agyapong’s legal team. While the judge upheld the jury’s verdict that Agyapong defamed Anas, he ruled that the damages were “excessive.”
In an official statement released by Tiger Eye PI, Anas emphasized that the fight has always been about truth and justice, not financial gain.
“Our victory is in the judgment and not the award,” Anas stated.
“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 also pointed out that Agyapong failed to prove any of his allegations against him during the trial.
“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.
Despite the significant reduction in financial compensation, Anas indicated that he will appeal the ruling, reaffirming his dedication to holding power to account through investigative journalism.
“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption—and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail,” he declared.
