PRINPAG Condemns Court Injunction Against Investigative Journalist

The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has condemned a recent ruling by the Human Rights Court 2 in Accra, describing it as a troubling development that threatens press freedom and investigative journalism in Ghana.

In a statement signed by David Sitsope Tamakloe, President of PRINPAG, the association expressed “profound concern and disappointment” over the decision by Justice Nana Brew to grant an interlocutory injunction restraining investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah from publishing findings of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving Cynthia Adjei and the Lysaro Group.

According to PRINPAG, the injunction—granted before the publication of any investigative report—amounts to prior restraint and sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken the constitutional role of the media as Ghana’s Fourth Estate.

“The decision raises serious questions about judicial support for press freedom and accountability,” the association said, warning that such rulings risk shielding alleged wrongdoing from legitimate public scrutiny.

PRINPAG further criticised suggestions contained in the ruling that journalists should limit their work to collaborating with state investigative bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), stressing that the media’s role is constitutionally independent.

“The media is not an extension of state institutions,” the statement said. “Its responsibility is to pursue the truth in the public interest.”

The association also raised concerns about the court’s acceptance of arguments that private entities linked to public influence or state-related transactions are insulated from journalistic scrutiny solely on the basis of their private business status.

“Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive where individuals who benefit from proximity to public office are beyond public accountability,” PRINPAG warned.

While reaffirming its respect for the judiciary and due process, PRINPAG cautioned that the ruling could embolden public office holders and their affiliates to use legal mechanisms to frustrate media oversight, a trend it described as incompatible with Ghana’s commitment to transparency and the fight against corruption.

PRINPAG has urged Mr. Appiah to appeal the ruling and pledged to provide legal and institutional support, stating that its stance goes beyond defending one journalist to protecting the public’s right to know.

The association emphasised that investigative journalism is a public service, not an adversarial act, and announced that it is consulting stakeholders on mechanisms to independently verify and further investigate matters of significant public interest arising from the case.

PRINPAG also called on the Judicial Service of Ghana to reflect on the broader implications of rulings that may appear to hinder press freedom and weaken national anti-corruption efforts.

“The courts must be seen as partners in accountability, not as havens for those seeking to avoid public examination,” the statement said.

 

 

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