It is reported that investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas admitted to collecting a bribe worth $100,000 in one of his attempts to expose corrupt Ghanaian officials.
X user, @naturalshark made this claim while responding to concerns raised by renowned activist and leader of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, over the Supreme Court’s ruling on a defamation suit which commenced in 2018 involving Assin Central MP, Ken Agyapong and Anas.
The apex court, through its ruling, dismissed Anas’s application to reverse a lower court’s decision that dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong.
Previously, the High Court ruled in favor of Mr Agyapong, characterizing Anas’ journalistic approach as “investigative terrorism” rather than legitimate journalism. Following this decision, Anas sought to contest the High Court’s ruling at the Supreme Court, expressing concerns regarding the judge’s jurisdiction and potential biases.
In response to the apex court’s ruling, Oliver Barker-Vormawor said he was saddened for our democracy that it was the Chief Justice’s vote that sustained the horrible judgment which we should have been quick to wipe from our history books.”
“But this was a ruling where tomorrow will be kinder to the minority than it would the majority. Justice Kulendi understood better than the majority, the moral responsibility of justice; and as such stood twice taller than the woman he was in competition with not too long ago,” he added.
X user, @naturalshark replied that the court was fair as Anas admitted to receiving some cash and that Anas’ legal counsel failed to appeal the High Court’s ruling.
According to the user whose real name is unknown, Anas reportedly made the confession in a video.
“Anas’ lawyer didn’t know what he was doing. Instead of an appeal, he filed for certiorari, which was denied by all the justices. Anas confessed on video he had collected a bribe of $100,000. His defense didn’t rebut this evidence. That’s a crime! Be fair and balanced!,” he wrote.
As it stands now, the said video was not provided, and The Independent Ghana cannot validate the claims made by the X user.
Supreme Court’s verdict below: