Anas' face unveiled after winning $18M defamation lawsuit against Kennedy

Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has emerged victorious in a high-profile defamation lawsuit against Ghanaian politician Kennedy Agyapong. The Accra High Court ruled in favor of Anas on October 24, 2023, ordering Agyapong to pay a substantial sum of 18 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $1.8 million) for damages stemming from defamatory remarks made during the promotion of Agyapong's documentary, which aimed to discredit Anas.

The court found that Agyapong's accusations were baseless and harmful to Anas’s reputation, particularly as he is known for his undercover journalism exposing corruption and abuse within various sectors. The ruling has been hailed as a significant victory for press freedom and accountability in Ghana, reinforcing the importance of protecting journalists against unfounded attacks. Following the verdict, images revealing Anas’s identity circulated online for the first time, sparking extensive discussions about privacy and safety concerns for investigative journalists. This case highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and media professionals in the country, emphasizing the vital role of journalism in holding power to account.