Supreme Court dismisses motion by Anas to quash High Court decision on defamation against Ken Agyapong

The Supreme Court has dismissed a motion by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas against a decision by an Accra High Court in the defamation suit against Assin Central Member of Parliament, Ken Agyepong.

In June 2018, the investigative journalist dragged the Assin Central legislator to court for defaming him and further prayed for a cost of GHC25 million.

But the court, presided over by Justice Eric Baah, dismissed his suit, indicating that he could not prove his case.

“From the above, I hold that the plaintiff [Anas] is a blackmailer who uses blackmail to extort money from his opponents and people he does not like.

“What the plaintiff is doing is not investigative journalism but investigative terrorism,” Justice Baah ruled after awarding a cost of GH¢50,000 against Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

The investigative journalist, dissatisfied with the outcome, filed a motion at the Supreme Court to quash the decision of the High Court.

He explained that the presiding judge acted beyond his jurisdiction by using certain words against the applicant in the judgement.

But ruling on the case on Wednesday morning, the apex court, in a 3-2 majority decision, dismissed Anas’ motion.

The 5-member panel of the court was chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Justice Imoro Amadu Tanku and Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi dissented, while the Chief Justice, Justices Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Samuel Asiedu, were on the majority side of the decision.

The court added that the full reasoning of its decision will be made available by March 4.