U.S. judge cuts $18m defamation award against Kennedy Agyapong to $500

A U.S. federal judge has reduced the $18 million defamation award initially granted by a jury against former Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to just $500, following a motion for remittitur filed by Agyapong’s legal team.

The defamation case was brought by award-winning investigative journalist Anas Aremyaw Anas, who was earlier vindicated by a jury that found Agyapong guilty of maliciously defaming him. The original award of $18 million was seen by many as a significant legal victory for Anas.

However, Agyapong’s legal team contested the size of the award, prompting the court to reconsider the amount. While the judge upheld the jury’s finding that Agyapong had indeed defamed Anas, he described the monetary compensation as “excessive” and reduced the damages to $500.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Anas stated that the case was never about money but about justice and truth.

“Our victory is in the judgment and not the award,” Anas said.

“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 further noted that not a single allegation made against him by Kennedy Agyapong was proven in court.

“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 drastic reduction in damages, Anas affirmed that he would appeal the ruling and reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption.

“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption—and in doing that, continue to name shame and jail,” he declared