Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, has dismissed concerns that a recent U.S. court ruling could undermine Agyapong’s presidential ambitions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

His comments follow a judgment by the Superior Court in Essex County, New Jersey, on Monday, May 12, 2025, in which the court awarded $500 in damages against Agyapong in a defamation lawsuit filed by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. The figure marked a significant reduction from the initial $18 million claim.

Despite the ruling, Kwarteng insisted that it would have no bearing on Agyapong’s political aspirations, particularly his bid to lead the NPP.

“I fully disagree with anyone who says that the fact that I have lost a first round of a case in court necessarily construes that I may not be a very good candidate. The first case is Donald Trump, who defied the logic that losing a case in court does not mean that you cannot be a good leader. There are other things that Kenndey Agyapong has demonstrated which make him capable,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Private legal practitioner, Robert Nii Arday Clegg, has clarified that the essence of the defamation ruling against former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, remains unchanged despite a substantial reduction in the damages awarded.

He explained that although the compensation has been significantly lowered, the core judgment in favour of journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas still stands.

“The case is why he sued, and did he get big money, you can say, yes, in the first instance… But I don’t think Kenndey Agyapong himself will sit somewhere and stand anywhere to say he lost. All I can hear him say is that he paid less of the money. The issues are only left to people’s personal opinion because the matter of what factually occurred, we can all debate that,” he stated.

“The former Assin Central MP has publicly announced his intention to run for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearership position in the party’s upcoming congress.

He made this declaration after a supporter—a student—was attacked and stabbed during the party’s ‘Thank You Tour,’ which was led by former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”