In a dramatic twist to a high-profile defamation lawsuit, a lawyer from the legal team of Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has disclosed that former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong offered a mere $10,000 to settle the case. The revelation came during an interview with Evans Selasi Adika, a member of Anas’ legal counsel, shedding light on behind-the-scenes negotiations following a multimillion-dollar jury award.
The defamation case, adjudicated in New Jersey, United States, stemmed from Agyapong’s public statements labeling Anas as “a criminal” and “evil.” Initially, Anas’ legal team sought damages exceeding $30 million but later agreed to a reduced sum. The U.S. jury ultimately awarded Anas $18 million, a significant victory for the renowned journalist known for his undercover exposés.
However, the saga didn’t end there. Agyapong’s legal representatives have since filed a motion to reduce the hefty damages, while reportedly proposing a settlement of just $10,000 in private talks—a figure Adika described as “paltry” given the scale of the jury’s award.
The case has drawn international attention, spotlighting tensions between Ghana’s political elite and its investigative journalists. Agyapong, a former presidential candidate for Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has yet to publicly comment on the settlement offer. As the legal battle continues, observers await further developments in this clash of influence and accountability.