In a dramatic courtroom twist, Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong has emerged from a high-profile defamation case in the United States owing just $500 in damages, a massive reduction from the original $18 million jury verdict in favour of investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Dailypost.com.gh can exclusively report.
The ruling, delivered Monday morning by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham of the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, overturned the jury’s award after finding that it exceeded the limits of state law.
According to New Jersey statutes, a plaintiff in a defamation case must prove actual loss or harm—such as loss of income or psychological damage—before being eligible for any amount above $500.
Furthermore, under U.S. defamation law, punitive damages cannot be granted if no compensatory damages are awarded.
Anas, the court concluded, failed to present any admissible evidence of material harm. There were no witnesses, no expert testimony, and no documentation of financial or emotional damage resulting from Agyapong’s comments—despite the jury’s earlier $18 million award.
Jury’s Decision Overturned by Law
The eight-member jury, which deliberated for just 30 minutes, had returned a unanimous verdict in March, awarding Anas $5 million in actual damages, another $5 million in compensatory damages, and $8 million in punitive damages.
But Judge Beacham ruled that the jury—made up of laypersons—had “overreached” by awarding damages that the law does not permit. The court’s action came in response to a remittitur motion filed by Agyapong’s legal team, which asked the judge to reduce the award based on legal principles rather than pursue a mistrial.
“This was never about evidence; it was a verdict driven by sentiment,” said E. Carter Corriston Jr., lead counsel for Kennedy Agyapong. “There was no substantiated loss, no expert analysis—nothing to justify the massive sums originally awarded.”
Why Anas Walked Away With $500
The reduction hinged on Anas’ inability to demonstrate any financial or reputational loss as a result of Agyapong’s remarks. Without this, the court could only award the statutory limit of $500—a far cry from the $18 million that initially made headlines across Ghana and beyond.
Under New Jersey law, actual damages in defamation cases must be proven with credible, quantifiable evidence. Anas’ lawyers, according to court documents, failed to provide this. That also disqualified him from receiving punitive damages, which are only applicable when compensatory damages are established.
The result is a stunning legal setback for the award-winning journalist, who had told the BBC following the initial verdict: “I feel very happy… it’s a vindication.”
But with the damages reduced to a token amount, questions are now being raised about the strategy Anas pursued. Legal analysts suggest that he had entered into a contingency agreement with his U.S. lawyers, offering them a percentage of the damages. With the final award now reduced to just $500, it is unclear how his legal fees will be covered.
A Battle of Narratives
The case itself had drawn global attention. Anas, a known anti-corruption crusader, had sued Agyapong for calling him a “criminal” on a U.S.-based podcast. The MP also linked Anas to the 2019 murder of journalist Ahmed Suale, allegations which Anas strongly denies.
While Anas previously lost a similar case in Ghana, he brought the action in New Jersey—where Agyapong owns property—hoping for a different result. That tactic initially seemed to work when the jury ruled in his favour. But the legal battle ultimately swung back in Agyapong’s favour when the court applied a stricter interpretation of U.S. defamation laws.
Anas had framed the case as a watershed moment for African journalism, telling the BBC: “This sends a message that we can stand up to power.” While that symbolic victory remains, the financial windfall he hoped to gain has evaporated.
A Strategic Victory for Agyapong
The outcome is a clear vindication for Kennedy Agyapong’s legal strategy. Instead of fighting to overturn the entire verdict, his team smartly honed in on the damages, knowing that Anas lacked the evidence to back up his claims.
“This is a victory not just for Kennedy Agyapong, but for the integrity of due process,” a source close to the MP said.
For now, Anas walks away with a moral message—but just $500 in legal terms.
