U.S. Judge Cuts $18M Defamation Award Against Kennedy Agyapong to $500
Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong has received major legal relief in the U.S. after a judge slashed an $18 million defamation award against him to a symbolic $500, overturning a jury’s earlier decision in a high-profile civil case.
In a surprising legal twist, a United States judge has drastically reduced an $18 million defamation award levied against Ghanaian politician Kennedy Agyapong to just $500, a symbolic sum that overturns a jury’s original ruling in a widely publicized civil suit.
The case stems from defamation claims brought against Agyapong in 2021 by a U.S.-based Ghanaian pastor, Bright Obeng, who alleged that the Assin Central MP made damaging and false statements about him on television and social media platforms.
A U.S. jury initially sided with the plaintiff, awarding a staggering $18 million in damages — a decision that drew widespread attention both in Ghana and among diaspora communities abroad.
However, in a recent ruling, the presiding judge ruled that the amount awarded was “excessive and unsupported by the evidence,” and exercised the court’s discretion to reduce the sum to $500 — effectively nullifying the punitive impact of the original verdict.
Legal experts say the judge’s decision reflects a broader principle in U.S. civil law where judges can modify jury awards that are deemed disproportionate or unjustified based on the facts presented.
While the judge acknowledged that Agyapong's remarks may have been offensive or damaging, the ruling suggests that the financial penalty was not legally sustainable given the evidence.
Kennedy Agyapong, known for his fiery public persona and outspoken political commentary, has long been a controversial figure in Ghanaian politics. The ruling is likely to boost his public image back home, where he has often portrayed himself as a victim of political targeting.
Speaking to Ghanaian media after the ruling, Agyapong thanked his legal team and said the judgment proved that “truth will always prevail.” He described the initial $18 million award as “politically motivated and legally flawed.”
On the other hand, supporters of the plaintiff have expressed disappointment with the judge’s decision, calling it a “mockery of justice” and a “slap in the face” for those seeking accountability from public figures.
It is not yet clear whether Pastor Bright Obeng will file an appeal to challenge the revised judgment.
The ruling marks a significant turn in the case and may have lasting implications for other Ghanaian political figures involved in legal battles abroad.
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