Anas Aremeyaw Anas
Anas at Oslo Freedom Forum
Born
Accra, Ghana
EducationChristian Methodist Senior High School
Ghana Institute of Journalism
University of Ghana
Occupations
  • Investigative journalist
  • The Crusading Guide newspaper (1998–present)
  • CEO of Tiger Eye Private Investigations
  • Executive Director of Tiger Eye Social Foundation (2011–present)
Years active1998–present
Notable credit(s)Al Jazeera, Africa Investigates
Websitewww.anasaremeyawanas.org

Anas Aremeyaw Anas, better known as Anas, is a Ghanaian journalist born in the late 1970s.[1] He utilizes his anonymity as a tool in his investigative journalism work. Anas is a politically non-aligned multimedia journalist who specializes in print media and documentaries. He focuses on issues of human rights and anti-corruption in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa. In December 2015 Foreign Policy magazine named Anas one of 2015's leading global thinkers.[2] In 2016 Anas had a "Best Journalist" award named after him by the Press Foundation in Ghana.[3]

On March 25, Anas Aremeyaw Anas lost a lawsuit against Kennedy Agyapong. The judge held him as a blackmailer who uses blackmail to extort money from his opponents and people he does not like. His work was described as investigative terrorism and not investigative journalism.

Early life

Anas is from Bimbilla in Northern Ghana[4] and grew up in Burma Camp, a military barracks in Accra[1] together with his two sisters.[5] After attending Christian Methodist Senior High School in Accra,[6] he attended the Ghana Institute of Journalism. After his degree, he turned down an opportunity to work as a reporter for the Ghanaian Times newspaper, instead choosing to join the Crusading Guide[7] newspaper in 1998, under editor Kweku Baako Jnr.[8]

Notable investigative works

Two of his most recent and influential works are:

Ghana in the Eyes of God. In 2015, Anas's investigation into the judiciary of the republic of Ghana[9] resulted in the removal from office of workers from the third arm of government including 13 high court judges,[10] 20 lower court judges[11] and 19 Judicial Service court registrars and interpreters. Over 100 judicial service staff in total were probed, after being caught on camera taking gifts from undercover Tiger Eye PI investigators to influence court judgements.[12]

Number 12. On 6 May 2018 Anas released Number 12, so named because corruption was the "12th player on the football team". This exposé implicated almost the entire football administration in Ghana,[13] and resulted in the President of Ghana dismantling the Ghana Football Association. The then Ghana Football Association president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was also an executive member of FIFA, was caught on camera accepting bribes. All football matches in the country were called off after the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) met on 8 June 2018, and dissolved the Referees Committee, deciding that all officials mentioned in the exposé should step aside.[14]

International football referees were also involved, such as Kenyan FIFA referee Marwa Range. He was filmed receiving US$600 before a scheduled match. This led to Marwa's withdrawal from the 2018 World Cup.[15] A documentary was released by BBC a week before the 2018 FIFA World Cup started.[16] Nigeria's national football team's coach, Salisu Yusuf was also involved in the scandal.[17]

Methods and response

Anas believes drastic measures need to be taken to tackle the level of corruption in Ghana.[18] The National Media Commission of Ghana hold that there’s nothing wrong with Anas' method[19] since Ghana law permits undercover journalism.[20]

Anas at the Global Conference for Media Freedom in London in 2019

Personalities (in alphabetical order) who have commented on his work:

  • Abdul-Malik Kwaku Baako - Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Kweku Baako supports the "techniques used by... Anas." He stated that "Anas does undercover journalism, if they don’t know, it is accepted universally. It comes with challenges, ethical as well as moral".[21]
  • Jerry John Rawlings - In reacting to Anas's critics, former president Rawlings said that "Anas should be hailed and not treated like an outcast". About the backlash from sections of the Ghanaian public concerning Anas's method, Rawlings added that "When we had the chance, we made an outcast of our own allowing our rivals to recognize the true worth and offer him such a sensitive national anti-corruption role. What does that make of us?"[22][23]
  • John Atta Mills - In 2015 it emerged that at least one of Anas's investigations was commissioned by the government of Ghana. Notably, "The President's Assignment"; an exposé from 2012 that unearthed corruption incidents at the Electricity Company of Ghana, was commissioned by the Professor Evans Mills, suggesting that the late president condoned Anas's modus operandi.[24] Earlier in 2011, president Mills reprimanded security agencies during a surprise visit to the Customs Excise and Preventive Service following a corruption exposé involving customs officers, stating that, "I wish that the revelation from Anas could have come to me from the security agencies who work here. There are people who come here throwing their weight around. I have told General Modey that anyone who comes here in the President's name, the first thing you should do is to arrest them. I am not going to be party to anything which will destroy what we are building in this country".[25]
  • Kofi Annan - Appearing in a promotional video leading to the public premiering of the Ghana Football Association cash gift scandal, the former United Nations secretary general said that "Sometimes it takes a spark, just a spark and I think Anas has provided that spark for the whole edifice to blow up for people to wake up and say: ‘No more’".[26]
  • Kennedy Agyapong - According to the Assign Central MP, who has repeatedly threatened Anas, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders[27] he stated that Anas's methods were 'unfair'. Following these and other allegations Anas responded "I've never in my life taken a bribe.... Nowhere! Whoever has a proof should bring it. It will crash. I know myself and I believe in myself. I know I’ve never taken bribe from anywhere... Some people are just blowing hot air”[28] He also called for "retribution" against Anas' collaborator, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, saying "If he comes here, beat him... Whatever happens, I'll pay." Hussein-Suale was subsequently assassinated.[29][30]
  • Mahamudu Bawumia - In defending the methodology of Anas, vice president of Ghana Dr. Bawumia said that "what Anas is doing is very relevant...people should know that what they do in the dark can be exposed...Really, I will encourage him to do what he does".[31]

Other works

From October to December 2016, Anas ventured outside of the world of investigative journalism as an advocate for peace in his "Anas4Peace" multimedia campaign.[32] These films, jingles and interactive social media posts brought together 22 non-aligned Ghanaian celebrities to advocate for peace during the election period.[33] The #IAmAnas movement celebrating Anas's anonymity has also attracted media attention.[34][35] In October 2018, Anas launched an online platform for members of the public to upload videos reporting corruption.[36]

Awards and recognition

Name of Award given to Anas Aremeyaw Anas Granting body Country
2020
Anti-Corruption Star Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Ghana
2018
Excellent in Print Journalism 2016[37] Rajasthan Patrika Group India
2017
The Ghana Shippers Awards 2017[38] Ghana Shippers Awards Ghana
Exceptional Journalist[39] GUBA Awards UK
The Brave Award[40] Allianz Awards 2017 Ghana
2016
Most Influential Investigative Journalist Award The Press Foundation Ghana
Journalist of the Year 2016[41] Ghana Journalists Association Ghana
Honorary Award for Excellence in Journalism[42] 4th Annual African Youth Excellence Awards USA
Key to the city of Worcester, Massachusetts by the Mayor.[43] City of Worcester USA
Most Influential Young Ghanaian, 2016[44] Avance Media Ghana
Africa Together 2016[45] African Society of Cambridge University United Kingdom
THE CITIZEN GHANA AWARD[46] EMY Africa Ghana
African Hero 2015-2016[47] Ohio University USA
2015
100 Most Influentian Young Africans New African
Ghana's Most Influential 2015[48] etv Ghana
Prize for Democratic Governance 2015[49] Millennium Excellence Award Ghana
Emerging Man of The Year 2015[50] Emerging Man of The Year Viasat1 Ghana
Gold Award- (Komela Dumor Award for journalism and Advocacy)[51] ExLA Awards Ghana
Africa Peace Icon Award 2015[52] Accord South Africa
2014
Investigative Journalist of the Year[53] CIMG AWARD Ghana
CMIG President's Special award[54] CIMG AWARD Ghana
Ghana's Most Influential 2014[55] etv Ghana Ghana
Engaged Journalism Award 2014[56] May Chidiac Foundation Lebanon
2013
Ghana's Most Influential 2013[57] ETV Ghana Ghana
African Achievers Awards 2013[58] African Achievers Awards Kenya
2012
Annual Percy Qoboza Award[59] National Association of Black Journalists USA
Children's Rights Award One World Media Award UK
Media Excellence National Youth Achievers Awards 2012 Ghana
Best Environmental Feature[60] Diageo UK
2011
Bastion of Excellence in Investigative Journalism[61] Ghana Journalists’ Association Ghana
Ghana's Most Influential 2011[62] ETV Ghana Ghana
The Lorenzo Natali Award[63] European Union Journalism Prize for Development, Democracy and Human Rights Ghana
KCK International Award for Excellence in Print Journalism[64] Patrika Group
Vocational Service Award Rotary Club of Accra Ghana
2010
2010 Excellence in Media Award : Community Reporting[65] Global Health Council Ghana
African Investigative Journalism Award FAIR/IJC Awards South Africa
Northern journalists Award Flip Africa Ghana
Anti-Corruption Reporting Award The Ghanaian Journalist Association Ghana
2009
The Lorenzo Natali Prize[66] European Union Journalism Prize for Development, Democracy and Human Rights Ghana
Nominee[67] Martin Luther King Award United States
Written Journalisim[68] Nobert Zongo Prize for Investigative Reporting Ghana
Investigative Journalism[69] The Segbo Excellence Ghana
2008
Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award 2008[70] The US Department of State Washington DC United States
Best Investigative Reporter[71] Ghana Journalists Association Ghana
International journalisim : Local Reporter[72] The Kurt Schork Memorial Fund UK
Every Human Has Rights Media Award[73] Every Human Has Rights Award and Internews, The Elders. France
2007
International Award for Excellence in Journalism International Catholic Union of the Press Switzerland
Global Shining Light Awards[74] Global Investigative Journalist Conference Canada
2006
Best Investigative Reporter[75] Ghana Journalists Association Ghana
Journalist of the Year[76] Ghana Journalists Association Ghana
2005
Best Investigative Reporting[77] Ghana Journalists Association Ghana
The Perfector of Sentiments Award[77] Ministry of Manpower, POS Foundation Ghana
2004
Excellence in Journalism[78] Catholic Union of the Press Switzerland

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "My mission is to impact society, jail lawbreakers- Anas". www.myjoyonline.com. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Anas Aremeyaw Anas — For exposing Ghana's broken courts without exposing himself" Archived 6 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Chroniclers, Foreign Policy.
  3. ↑ "The Press Foundation establishes Anas award for best journalist". The Ghana Guardian News. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  4. ↑ OsloFreedomForum (8 August 2017), ANAS AREMEYAW ANAS | NAME, SHAME, AND JAIL | 2017, archived from the original on 29 February 2020, retrieved 16 June 2018
  5. ↑ Akwasi, Tiffany. "Quick truths about Anas you need to learn". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  6. ↑ "I was called "invisible" in school - Anas". Star FM Online (via Ghana Web). 19 November 2015. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  7. ↑ Staff, Pulse. "Good work: Anas Aremeyaw's disguises labelled amongst the world's best undercover reports". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  8. ↑ "Anas owns 40% of New Crusading Guide newspaper - Kweku Baako". www.ghanaweb.com. 30 May 2018. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  9. ↑ Mark, Monica (24 September 2015). "Ghana's top undercover journalist masters disguise to expose corruption". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  10. ↑ "CJ swears in 13 High Court judges to replace 'Anas Judges'". 15 July 2016. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  11. ↑ "Anas' exposé: 20 lower court judges sacked - citifmonline.com". citifmonline.com. 7 December 2015. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  12. ↑ Graphic.com.gh. "Anas exposé: Judicial Council sack 19 staff". Graphic Online. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  13. ↑ "African referees filmed taking cash". BBC News. 7 June 2018. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  14. ↑ "Ghana to dissolve football association over bribery allegations". the Guardian. 8 June 2018. Archived from the original on 8 June 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  15. ↑ "Betraying the Game: African officials filmed taking cash". BBC Sport. 7 June 2018. Archived from the original on 10 June 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  16. ↑ "WATCH: BBC release VIDEO teaser of sports corruption in Ghana". Happy FM. 5 June 2018. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  17. ↑ "Nigerian football coach filmed taking cash". BBC News. 24 July 2018. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  18. ↑ Apinga, David (14 February 2017). "Nothing wrong with my methods – Anas". class fm online. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  19. ↑ Larnyoh, Magdalene Teiko. "There's nothing wrong with Anas' method – NMC". Archived from the original on 6 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  20. ↑ "Nothing wrong with my methods –". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  21. ↑ Apinga, David. "Anas' methods "accepted universally" – Baako". www.classfmonline.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  22. ↑ "Don't make Anas an outcast – Rawlings". www.ghanaweb.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  23. ↑ "Rawlings lashes out at Anas critics". www.ghanaweb.com. 8 June 2018. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  24. ↑ "'Your claims are untrue' – Anas replies Martin Amidu - citifmonline.com". citifmonline.com. 9 November 2015. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  25. ↑ "Mills Mad At CEPS". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  26. ↑ Ayumu, Patrick. "Rot in Anas' #12 exposé "doesn't look good" – Mahama". www.classfmonline.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  27. ↑ "Death threats against well-known Ghanaian investigative journalist". Reporters without borders (in French). 6 June 2018. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  28. ↑ "Anas takes on critics issue-by-issue". www.ghanaweb.com. 30 June 2018. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  29. ↑ "Football bribes investigator shot dead". BBC News. 17 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  30. ↑ "You can't silence me - Anas reacts to the killing of his partner at Madina". www.ghanaweb.com. 17 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  31. ↑ "'What Anas is doing is relevant' – Dr. Bawumia [Video]". Citi Newsroom. 3 June 2018. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  32. ↑ "Anas 4 Peace". Anas 4 Peace. Archived from the original on 10 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  33. ↑ "Anas and top celebs for first open peace project". News Ghana. 3 November 2013. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  34. ↑ Ayitey, Charles. "Anas finally 'confuses' Ken Agyapong with "I am Anas" showdown on social media". Yen. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  35. ↑ "Ghana's faceless journalist demands his 'true' identity, twitter erupts | Africanews". Africanews. 30 May 2018. Archived from the original on 2 June 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  36. ↑ "Klarity and award-winning investigative journalist Anas launch citizen engagement platform". Medium. 25 October 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  37. ↑ "Anas receives $11,000 journalism excellence award in India". Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  38. ↑ Awards, Ghana Shippers. "Winners - Ghana Shippers Awards". ghanashippersawards.com. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  39. ↑ "2017 Winners – GUBA Awards". www.gubaawards.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  40. ↑ "ALLIANZ AWARDS 2017: Anas, Stephen Appiah, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah honoured [+IMAGES] - Proudly Ghanaian! | EnewsGH". Proudly Ghanaian! | EnewsGH. 18 June 2017. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  41. ↑ "GJA presents awards to 2016 Best Journalists - citifmonline.com". citifmonline.com. 7 October 2016. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  42. ↑ Tonto, Kofi. "Anas To Speak At The 4th Annual African Youth Excellence Awards". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  43. ↑ "Ghana Celebrities". Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  44. ↑ Media, Avance. "Finalists For 2016 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians Announced". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  45. ↑ "Africa Together 2016 at African Society of Cambridge University via Movemeback". Movemeback. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  46. ↑ "EMY 2016 WINNERS - EXCLUSIVE MEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS". EXCLUSIVE MEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS. 19 June 2016. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  47. ↑ Boafo, Obed (5 June 2016). "Anas Grabs African Hero honours at Ohio University - Ultimate FM". Ultimate FM. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  48. ↑ "Anas, Bola Ray voted 2015 Most Influential Young Ghanaians". www.ghanaweb.com. 4 January 2016. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  49. ↑ "Excellence Awards, excellently bestowed". www.ghanaweb.com. 17 December 2015. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  50. ↑ Sarpong, Alfred. "Tullow Ghana CEO, Anas Win Prestigious 2015 Man Of The Year Awards". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  51. ↑ theafricanreporter.com. "Founder Of Ypen Wins Exla Young Achievers Award 2015". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  52. ↑ "Africa Peace Award - ACCORD". ACCORD. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  53. ↑ "Cim Ghana" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  54. ↑ "Cim Ghana" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  55. ↑ "My Joy Online". Archived from the original on 13 September 2018.
  56. ↑ "MCF Awards Courageous Journalists – May Chidiac Foundation". mcfmi.org. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  57. ↑ "etv most influential list for 2013 out". www.ghanaweb.com. 20 January 2014. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  58. ↑ "Africanachieversawards.org". africanachieversawards.org. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  59. ↑ "NABJ Honors Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas with Annual Percy Qoboza Award - National Association of Black Journalists". www.nabj.org. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  60. ↑ Africa, Diageo plc and Diageo. "DIAGEO AFRICA BUSINESS REPORTING AWARDS 2012 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  61. ↑ "GJA Awards Winners". www.gjaghana.org. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  62. ↑ "The Most Influential Ghanaians of 2011… | Me Firi Ghana". mefirighana.com. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  63. ↑ "Lorenzo Natali prize - 2011 - European Commission". ec.europa.eu. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  64. ↑ "Indian Prime Minister presents 3 gold medals to Anas and co". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  65. ↑ "Anas wins Excellence in Journalism Award for 2010". www.ghanaweb.com. 30 November 2001. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  66. ↑ "Lorenzo Natali prize - 2009 - European Commission". ec.europa.eu. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  67. ↑ "Six receive Martin Luther King Jr. leadership awards". MIT News. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  68. ↑ "Anas Of Ghana Wins Nobert Zongo Grand Prize". www.ghanaweb.com. 30 November 2001. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  69. ↑ "Journalism is not about building houses - Anas". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  70. ↑ "2008 TIP Report Heroes". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 16 October 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  71. ↑ "ANAS WINS TWO MORE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  72. ↑ "KSM Fund" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  73. ↑ "Anas Aremeyaw Anas - U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes". www.tipheroes.org. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  74. ↑ "Sandra Bartlett's schedule for Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC13)". Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  75. ↑ "GTV's Peggy Donkor is Journalist of the Year". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  76. ↑ "Crusading Guide's Anas is 2006 Journalist of the Year". www.ghanaweb.com. 30 November 2001. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  77. 1 2 "Tiger Force Group | 1st DIRECTOR- Anas Aremeyaw Anas". tigerforcegroup.org. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  78. ↑ "All Africa".
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