The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has taken an uncompromising stance in defense of media freedom in Ghana, condemning recent acts of intimidation and harassment against journalists and news publishers by state security agencies.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, PRINPAG expressed deep concern over what it described as a “dangerous trend” involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the National Security Secretariat summoning journalists under questionable circumstances for their work in the public interest.
“Such acts of intimidation and harassment of journalists and publishers have no place in a democratic state like Ghana, which prides itself on a strong tradition of press freedom and freedom of expression,” the statement emphasized.
The association cited the recent summoning of Mr. Gordon Asare-Bediako of ABC News by the OSP, followed by the questioning of Mr. Prosper Agbenyega of Current Issues newspaper by the National Security Secretariat.
In both cases, the journalists were reportedly interrogated for hours without access to legal representation.
PRINPAG condemned these actions as a clear violation of constitutional rights and an assault on the personal liberties of the affected media professionals.
“It is even more disturbing that in both instances, the publishers were subjected to hours of questioning without access to their lawyers — a clear affront to their constitutional rights and personal liberties,” the statement noted.
Justice and Rule of Law
PRINPAG is calling for an immediate end to such arbitrary actions and urged state institutions to follow constitutionally sanctioned routes—such as the National Media Commission or the law courts—when aggrieved by a publication.
“Resorting to extra-constitutional means, including the harassment and intimidation of journalists and publishers, is unacceptable, unlawful, and must cease with immediate effect,” the group stated.
In its five-point demand, PRINPAG:
1. Unequivocally condemned the actions of the OSP and National Security.
2. Called on security agencies to respect journalists’ constitutional rights.
3. Urged the use of appropriate legal channels for grievances.
4. Encouraged journalists to remain fearless and steadfast.
5. Emphasized the need for professionalism and ethical standards in journalism.
Press freedom
Beyond condemnation, PRINPAG also called on civil society, Ghanaians, and the international community to rally behind press freedom and reject any attempt to stifle the work of journalists.
It urged all well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organisations, and the international community to add their voices in condemning this dangerous trend that threatens the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
The association reiterated its commitment to defending its members and warned that it is ready to pursue legal remedies to protect journalists from unlawful intimidation.