Shocking allegations: Judge calls out Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ tactics

An Accra High Court has dismissed a GHC25 million defamatory suit brought by undercover investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas against the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong.

The judge, Justice Eric Baah, stated that Anas’ actions were not investigative journalism but “investigative terrorism.”

The lawsuit was filed in response to defamatory materials published by Agyapong, who had been attempting to discredit Anas after the release of an explosive piece on corruption in Ghanaian football.

In a May 2018 live program on Adom TV, Agyapong referred to Anas as “a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil.”

He then continued to publish more defamatory material via other platforms, including releasing pictures purported to be of Anas in an attempt to reveal his identity.

Anas’ lawyer, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, had been seeking general damages for defamation in the defendant’s publications. Journalist Mr. Listowell Yesu Bukarson was granted lawful attorney to stand in for Anas.

Justice Baah dismissed Anas’ claims as “meritless,” and ruled that Agyapong was justified in his statements against Anas.

The ruling has sparked debate over the nature of investigative journalism and the line between exposing corruption and breaching privacy and ethical boundaries.

Anas Aremeyaw Anas is a renowned international investigative journalist, famous for his use of undercover work to expose corruption and human rights abuses.

His work has been published in international outlets, including the BBC and Al Jazeera. However, some critics have accused him of using unethical tactics and breaching privacy in his work.

The ruling is seen as a blow to Anas’ reputation, but some supporters argue that it highlights the need for clearer ethical guidelines for investigative journalism.

As the debate over the role of journalists in exposing corruption and protecting privacy continues, the case is likely to have wider implications for investigative journalism in Ghana and beyond.