An Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey has reduced the defamation judgment against former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong from $18 million to $500.
The lawsuit was filed by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas on May 17, 2022. Anas accused Agyapong and Ghanaian media personality Frederick Asamoah of making defamatory statements during an episode of The Daddy Fred Show, a popular online platform among the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States.
Agyapong reportedly made several false and damaging claims about Anas, calling him a criminal and thief, and even suggesting he was involved in the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale.
Although the court found Agyapong liable for malicious defamation, the judge ruled on May 12 that the $18 million award was excessive and reduced the damages to $500.
Despite the sharp reduction, the court upheld the verdict that Agyapong defamed Anas. The investigative journalist expressed disappointment with the lower award but emphasized that his motive was not financial.
“This case was about truth and justice,” Anas said. “I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption – and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail.”
