Legal experts associated with the high-profile defamation suit between media personality Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong have revealed that the award of $18 Million in damages going in favor of the Ghanaian investigative journalist is still under review.
The $18 million verdict was declared in the Superior Court of New Jersey where Anas Aremeyaw Anas was present with lawyers who filed the defamation lawsuit against former Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, and Frederick Asamoah, a social media commentator.
Legal experts in a recent statement revealed that the $18 million verdict declared on Tuesday, March 18 is not an immediate financial liability for Ken Agyapong. The statement further indicated that the jury’s verdict has been broken down into three distinctive categories with $5 Million allocated for presumed damages, $5 million allocated for actual damages and $8 Million allocated for punitive damages.
The Legal experts noted that Ken Agyapong in light of these allocations, is not required to pay the $18 Million outright to Anas Aremeyaw. “At this juncture, it is premature to conclude that Ken Agyapong must immediately pay the $18 million. Legal proceedings continue, and several factors could alter the final judgment.”
Ken Agyapong, according to the legal observers can either choose to appeal the decision, which implies that the verdict could be delayed or the amount reduced or plead for a resolution of all post-trial motions and appeals.
Ghanaians are hereby cautioned that the verdict represents only one stage in a potentially lengthy legal process. The Legal experts advise that the media must follow official updates and court filings for the latest developments. “For now, the $18 million figure stands as a legal judgment in waiting rather than a confirmed, enforceable debt on Ken Agyapong’s part. As the legal process unfolds, both sides have avenues to contest or modify the award, and the final resolution remains to be seen.” the statement read.
By: Kobina Baidoo
