U.S. Court Slashes $18M Defamation Award Against Kennedy Agyapong to $500
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
A Superior Court in Essex County, New Jersey, has dramatically reduced a defamation judgment against former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong from $18 million to just $500, despite upholding the finding that he had maliciously defamed investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The lawsuit, filed on May 17, 2022, stemmed from comments made by Agyapong during an appearance on The Daddy Fred Show, an online platform widely followed within the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States. Agyapong, alongside Ghanaian media personality Frederick Asamoah, made a series of unsubstantiated claims against Anas, describing him as a “criminal” and a “thief,” and falsely linking him to the 2019 murder of journalist Ahmed Suale, a close associate of Anas. Following a full trial, a jury found Agyapong liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages.
However, Agyapong filed a motion for remittitur—a legal request to reduce the award—arguing that the amount was excessive and disproportionate. In a ruling issued on Monday, May 12, 2025, the trial judge agreed, reducing the damages to $500. The judge emphasized that although the defamation had occurred, the original award was not justifiable based on the evidence presented. Reacting to the development, Anas acknowledged the symbolic nature of the verdict and reaffirmed that his pursuit of the case was never financially motivated.
“Consequent to the finding by the jury, an amount of \$18 million was awarded in my favour against Kennedy Agyapong. Following the award, Kennedy Agyapong filed a motion for remittitur… and today the trial judge granted that request,” Anas said in a statement. “This means that while the judge held that Kennedy Agyapong had defamed me, in his reasoning, the award was excessive.” Anas also underscored the importance of the case for journalistic integrity and public accountability. “This fight has not been about the money, but rather, a fight for truth and justice. I am happy that not a single allegation was proven against me in court when Kennedy Agyapong was given full opportunity to substantiate,” he stated. “I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption – and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail.”
The case has drawn widespread attention in Ghana and abroad, reigniting debate around political speech, journalistic safety, and accountability in public discourse.
