By: Alexander Afriyie
The recent defamation case between Kennedy Agyapong and investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the astronomical costs associated with the lawsuit. The case, which was heard in a New Jersey court, resulted in Agyapong being ordered to pay Anas $500 in damages, a far cry from the $18 million initially awarded by the jury.
The Financial Burden.
Converting the awarded amount to Ghanaian cedis, the sum is approximately 6400 Ghana cedis. However, many are pointing out that this amount pales in comparison to the costs incurred by Anas in pursuing the lawsuit. These costs include:
– Legal Fees: Engaging top lawyers in the US would have come at a significant cost, likely running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
– Travel Expenses: Multiple trips from Ghana to the US for court appearances would have added up quickly.
– Court Filing Fees: The cost of filing court documents and other related expenses would have been substantial.
– Time and Opportunity Cost: The time spent on this lawsuit could have been spent on other pursuits, potentially generating income or advancing Anas’s career.
The Implications.
The outcome of this case raises questions about the wisdom of pursuing such lawsuits, particularly when the costs far outweigh the potential benefits. While Agyapong may have felt strongly about defending his reputation, the financial burden of this case may be more than he bargained for.
As the dust settles on this case, it’s clear that the true cost of defamation lawsuits goes far beyond the awarded damages. The financial and reputational implications can be far-reaching, and individuals must carefully consider these factors before pursuing legal action. Alexander Afriyie