The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has described the High Court’s decision to convict The Herald newspaper’s Editor, Larry Alans Dogbe, for contempt of court as harsh, unreasonable, and disproportionate.
A statement signed by PRINPAG President, David Tamakloe, pledged that the Association will pursue all efforts to challenge the ruling.
In a statement issued on Thursday, PRINPAG said it was deeply concerned about the judgment delivered in the case of Kevin Okyere v. Larry Alans Dogbe, arguing that the decision raises serious concerns for media freedom and the protection of journalists under Ghana’s Constitution.
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According to the association, the conviction failed to adequately take into account the circumstances surrounding the substituted service, the disputed notice, and the constitutional guarantees of press freedom under Articles 162 and 165 of the 1992 Constitution.
“PRINPAG has taken note of the judgment delivered today by the High Court in Accra in the matter of Kevin Okyere v. Larry Alans Dogbe, which resulted in the conviction of Mr. Dogbe for contempt of court,” the statement said.
The association maintained that Mr. Dogbe is a respected senior journalist whose work has made a significant contribution to public-interest journalism and should not face punitive measures for carrying out his professional responsibilities.
“Mr. Larry Dogbe is not only a senior journalist but also a respected member of our fraternity whose work has contributed significantly to public-interest journalism,” PRINPAG stated.
The media body disclosed that it is engaging Mr. Dogbe’s legal team to explore all available legal remedies, including an appeal against the High Court’s decision.
“PRINPAG is actively engaging its legal team to explore all available remedies, including the appropriate appellate processes, to rectify what we consider a troubling precedent for media freedom and responsible journalism in Ghana,” the statement added.
While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, PRINPAG stressed that journalists should not be punished for informing the public on issues of public interest, particularly matters involving the use of public resources and accountability.
The association said it would continue to monitor developments in the case and keep the media and the public informed of any further action.