‘Shocking and excessive’ – Lawyer challenges $18m verdict in Anas-Kennedy Agyapong case

Kennedy Agyapong’s lawyer has filed a motion seeking a drastic reduction of the $18 million defamation verdict awarded to investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, describing it as “shocking” and “excessive.”

Attorney E. Carter Corriston, Jr., in a letter to Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, argued that the damages were not based on factual evidence but rather on emotionally charged arguments presented by Anas’ legal team.

Corriston maintained that Anas failed to prove any actual financial or emotional harm from Agyapong’s statements, noting that no expert witnesses or direct testimony supported the claim.

He also criticized the introduction of prejudicial issues, such as the murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale and judicial corruption in Ghana, which he said unfairly influenced the jury.

Additionally, he pointed to the jury’s swift 30-minute deliberation as evidence that emotion, rather than legal reasoning, dictated the outcome.

While not disputing the liability ruling, Corriston insisted that the court must adjust the damages to a fair and justifiable amount.

If granted, the motion could significantly reduce the $18 million awarded to Anas in the high-profile case.