Kennedy Agyapong (L), Anas Aremeyaw Anas (R)
Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central in the Central Region, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, yesterday stormed the new court complex to pick a writ filed against him by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Anas sued Mr Agyapong for defamation, claiming GH? 25 million in damages.
The MP reportedly described Anas as an “evil and dishonest person who suffers from mental derangement on some radio and television stations.”
The legislator indicated his readiness to face Anas squarely in court when news broke that he had been sued.
The MP, who has been out of the country for the past two weeks, yesterday travelled to the court’s registry to personally receive the writ instead of waiting for a bailiff to serve him, DAILY GUIDE has gathered.
According to reports, although the court’s bailiffs usually serve such writ and suit on respondents, Mr. Agyapong decided to take delivery of the writ himself.
There were rumours that the MP was avoiding service and had gone quiet since Anas initiated the legal action against him.
But upon arrival in the country, he decided to prove his readiness to defend himself in court, sources told this paper.
DAILY GUIDE has also gathered that lawyers for the MP are carefully studying the documents and would in due time file their defence to pave the way for the court to determine the merits of the case.
It stated Mr Agyapong’s comments have egregiously damaged Anas’ reputation as a lawyer and an internationally acclaimed investigative journalist.
Anas is not likely to be in court during proceedings, as he has given the power of attorney to one Listowell Yesu Bukarson to testify on his behalf.
Mr Agyapong reportedly made comments after Anas announced plans to show his latest investigative piece, No. 12.
Anas, in the statement of claim, averred that Mr Agyapong, on an Accra-based TV station, Adom TV on May 29, 2018, called him a blackmailer, extortionist and evil.
It averred that Mr. Agyapong repeated similar defamatory words on May 31, 2018 during a radio programme on Oman FM.
The suit also said Mr Agyapong alleged that the plaintiff was in an amorous relationship with the widow of the late JB Danquah-Adu.
The writ also claimed Mr. Agyapong called for the lynching of Anas on media platforms.
The defendant signified his commitment to his call for the lynching of the plaintiff by his gesture of making a choking sound and dragging his finger across his throat.
The defendant incited the general public to physically attack and assault the plaintiff,” it averred.
Anas is claiming aggravated damages to the tune of GH?25 million arising from libel as a result of the comments, general damages for libel and costs, including lawyer’s fees.
By Gibril Abdul Razak