The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has described the seven-day prison sentence imposed on journalist and publisher of The Herald, Larry Alans Dogbe, as harsh, unreasonable and disproportionate, particularly in view of the circumstances surrounding the substituted service, the disputed notice and the constitutional protections guaranteed to journalists under Articles 162 and 165 of the 1992 Constitution.
In a statement signed by its President, David Tamakloe, PRINPAG expressed deep concern over the judgment delivered by the Accra High Court in the case of Kevin Okyere v. Larry Alans Dogbe, which resulted in Mr Dogbe’s conviction for contempt of court.
The Association said it believes the ruling raises serious concerns for press freedom and the practice of responsible journalism in Ghana.
PRINPAG noted that Mr Dogbe is not only a senior journalist but also a respected member of the media fraternity whose work has made significant contributions to public-interest journalism.
According to the Association, it is engaging Mr Dogbe’s legal team to explore all available legal remedies, including the appellate process, in a bid to challenge what it considers a troubling precedent for media freedom.
“PRINPAG is actively engaging his 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 said.
While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, PRINPAG maintained that journalists should not be subjected to punitive measures for carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public, particularly on matters involving public resources, governance and accountability.
The Association stressed that safeguarding press freedom remains essential to Ghana’s democratic development and pledged to continue monitoring developments in the case.
It further assured media practitioners and the general public that it would provide updates as necessary as the legal process unfolds.
Mr Larry Alans Dogbe, publisher of The Herald, was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment for contempt of court by the Accra High Court after being found to have breached an interlocutory injunction in relation to publications concerning a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA. The ruling has since attracted reactions from media organisations and press freedom advocates across the country.
