Larry Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, has expressed profound gratitude to Ghanaians for the overwhelming support shown to him and his family following his conviction for contempt of court, saying the solidarity has strengthened his resolve to continue pursuing public-interest journalism.
In a statement issued after the Accra High Court granted him bail pending an appeal, Mr. Dogbey thanked journalists, lawyers, police officers, politicians, friends and members of the public who stood by him during what he described as a difficult period.
“I have been deeply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, prayers, and love shown to me and my family by colleague journalists, lawyers, police officers, politicians, friends, and many others following my conviction,” he said.
Mr. Dogbey, who is currently on a 10-day bail pending the hearing of his appeal, said although the court’s decision had presented a major challenge, it had not diminished his determination.
“My spirit is not broken; it is strengthened,” he declared, adding that more would be said about the case at the appropriate time.
The journalist appealed to Ghanaians not to lose hope in the country’s future, stressing that the pursuit of truth and accountability remains essential to national development.
“For now, I urge all Ghanaians not to give up on our country. Ghana is worth fighting for not only for ourselves, but for generations yet unborn,” he stated.
Mr. Dogbey maintained that the issues surrounding the case have always been about journalism and the responsibility of the media to hold power to account.
“This has always been about journalism, and nothing more. We must keep a close watch on our mineral resources and on those entrusted with their management,” he said.
He further urged continued scrutiny of Ghana’s business environment, particularly the conduct of multinational companies operating in the country and the relationship between such firms and Ghanaian institutions.
“We must also keep an eye on Ghana’s business environment: how multinationals treat Ghanaians, and how Ghanaians treat them,” he noted.
According to him, journalists and citizens alike must continue asking difficult questions whenever circumstances appear unusual and insist on transparency and accountability.
“We must keep asking questions when things appear unusual, and we must demand answers,” he said, warning that “there are powerful, self-serving interests determined to exploit our mineral wealth at all costs.”
Expressing appreciation once again, Mr. Dogbey said the encouragement and prayers he had received from across the country meant more than words could express.
“My profound gratitude goes to everyone who has stood with us through your prayers, encouragement, kindness, and unwavering support. Your solidarity means more than words can express. We shall prevail,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has granted Mr. Dogbey bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties pending the determination of his appeal against a seven-day prison sentence imposed for contempt of court.
The bail was granted by the same court after his lawyers filed an ex parte application seeking bail pending appeal.
The court directed his legal team to file a motion on notice within 10 days and serve the applicant in the matter.
Failure to comply with the directive would result in Mr. Dogbey being returned to prison.
On June 25, 2026, the High Court, presided over by Justice Isaac Addo, convicted Mr. Dogbey of contempt over the publication of details relating to an ongoing legal dispute between businessman Kevin Okyere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (SEP), and Petraco SA.
The publication concerned a petition filed by Petraco SA against Mr. Okyere.
The court held that Mr. Dogbey had failed to comply with an interlocutory injunction restraining him from making further publications on the matter and had deliberately disobeyed its orders.
Mr. Dogbey, however, has consistently maintained that he was never served with any court process directing him to cease further publication on the case.
