Press statement by CENOZO on the ruling of the US superiour court on the defamation case against Ghana former Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong and Fredrick Asamoah

Ouagadougou, March 21, 2025: The Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO) applauds the Superior Court of New Jersey’s landmark decision to award $18 million in damages to investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. This decision, arising from a defamation lawsuit against former Ghana MP Kennedy Agyapong and social media influencer Fredrick Asamoah, is a long-awaited vindication for Mr. Anas and a strong affirmation of journalists’ rights to report the truth without fear of slander or retribution.

Mr. Anas has long been subjected to defamatory attacks, most notably during the 2021 broadcast of “The Daddy Fred Show”, when false and damaging statements were made about him. In Ghana, Interim Justice Eric Baah hastily dismissed Mr. Anas’s defamation claims on frivolous grounds, even though a substantive judge was about to take over the case. During the proceeding, Justice Baah unprofessionally characterized Mr. Anas as “a blackmailer, corrupt, extortionist, and evil“, a statement that not only undermined the truth but also cast a long shadow over the credibility of Ghana’s judicial process.

The March 18, 2025 judgment in New Jersey is more than just a financial remedy; it is a decisive repudiation of judicial practices that compromise fairness and the rule of law. It sends a clear message to the world that every journalist has the right to perform their constitutional duties free from defamatory attacks and political manipulation.

Speaking further on the matter, CENOZO’s President, David Dembele called on President John Mahama to take immediate and decisive action on two critical fronts :

Judicial Reforms: We urge Ghana’s leadership to institute sweeping reforms within the judiciary to ensure that all judges, whether interim or permanent, uphold the highest standards of fairness and impartiality. Accountability and transparency in the judicial process are essential ingredients to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, especially those who work to expose corruption and injustice.

Reopening the Investigation into the Killing of Ahmed Suale: CENOZO also demands that President Mahama set up a special, independent panel to thoroughly investigate the brutal murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale. Mr. Suale was attacked after MP Agyapong irresponsibly broadcast his picture and home address on a live television show where he incited public violence. This egregious act not only endangered Mr. Suale’s life but also threatened the safety of journalists and ordinary citizens. It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable, and that robust measures are implemented to prevent future assaults on journalistic freedom and personal security.

Reflecting the collective sentiment of our community, CENOZO President David Dembele stated: “We are so glad that finally justice has been served to our colleague, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. This ruling is not just for Anas alone, but for every journalist in Africa, who has been denied justice because of a failed judicial system. We, however, call on the President of Ghana John Mahama to set up a special panel to investigate the killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and ensure that those found culpable are made to face the full wrath of the law“.

Today’s ruling is a powerful reminder of the international community’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression and upholding the principles of justice and accountability. CENOZO and its partners remain steadfast in our dedication to defending the rights of journalists and all citizens to engage freely in public discourse, practice their trade without fear, and hold those in power accountable. We call on all stakeholders to join us in ensuring that the rule of law prevail, and that similar injustices are never repeated.

CENOZO