Popular investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been awarded US$18 million by a US court in a May 17, 2022, defamation case against former MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong.

The defamation case, centred on remarks made by Agyapong on an episode of The Daddy Fred Show on September 7, 2021, was heard by Essex County Superior Court, New Jersey, USA.

During an interview on the said date and show broadcast primarily in Twi, Agyapong referred to Anas as a “criminal” and a “thief”. The show was hosted by US-based Ghanaian Frederick Asamoah.

Agyapong, a businessman and politician known for his controversial bluntness, accused Anas of being accountable for the deaths of some Chinese people in Ghana, including the assassination of Ahmed Suale, an investigative journalist who worked with Anas’ Tiger Eye Private Investigations.

Anas told the court the comments by Agyapong put his life in danger, harming his reputation, too.

In his defence, Agyapong said he uttered the comments in a heated political argument, arguing they did not have to be interpreted literally. The US court decided in Anas' favour, however, underlining the remarks were indeed defamatory, warranting the US$18 million award to Anas.