ACCRA, Dec 25 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned a High Court ruling that bars a journalist from publishing an investigative report without first submitting it to state authorities, warning the decision threatens press freedom and investigative journalism.
The ruling, delivered on Nov. 7 by Justice Nana Brew of the Human Rights Division, placed a perpetual injunction on journalist Innocent Appiah, describing his pre-publication investigations as an invasion of privacy and ordering him to share his findings with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) before publication.
Speaking at the GJA’s third Dinner Night at the Ghana International Press Centre on Monday, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the judgment undermines constitutional protections for the media.
“The GJA condemns in no uncertain terms the Nov. 7 High Court judgment that undermines the constitutional obligation of the media and citizens to expose wrongdoing in the public interest,” Dwumfour said.
He described the ruling as unconstitutional, arguing it elevates privacy rights in a manner that harms the national interest and discourages investigative reporting. Dwumfour said the association was reviewing the judgment with a view to seeking its reversal, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit censorship.
The Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, George Sarpong, also criticised the ruling, calling it a dangerous precedent.
“With caution, I can only say that the decision is dangerous,” Sarpong said, adding that censorship reflects fear of the truth rather than protection of society.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, said the safety and freedom of journalists were central to constitutional governance and pledged that the government would defend media practitioners.
“There is no way we can say we are successful in the performance of that duty when journalists are being harmed,” Srem-Sai said, adding that any attack on a journalist amounted to an attack on the constitution.
He said the Attorney-General’s Office was reviewing the High Court decision and would take steps it considered “right and just” after the review.
Srem-Sai also announced a four-point commitment by the Mahama-led government to protect journalists, including pledges not to harm journalists, to prevent others from harming them, to punish offenders and to compensate journalists who suffer attacks in the line of duty.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim, speaking on behalf of the presidential spokesperson and the Minister for Government Communications, said President John Mahama remained committed to press freedom, describing a free and independent media as vital to democracy.
She urged journalists to work with state institutions to verify information and avoid sensational reporting, particularly in relation to misinformation and disinformation.
Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno assured journalists of police protection and said measures were being taken to improve relations between the police and the media.
