The complete certified true copy of a judgment rendered by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has been issued.
Despite announcing a 3-2 majority decision against investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas‘ certiorari application challenging a damning 2023 High Court ruling, the court had delayed its full ruling.
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.
Justices Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Samuel Asiedu concurred with the Chief Justice in rejecting Anas’ appeal, whereas Justices Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu and Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi dissented.
The verdict represents a significant milestone in the legal dispute between Anas and Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, which commenced in 2018.
Full verdict below: