The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has strongly condemned a recent ruling by the Human Rights Court 2 in Accra, describing it as a troubling setback to press freedom and investigative journalism in the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr. David Sitsopé Tamakloe, PRINPAG expressed “profound concern and disappointment” over an interlocutory injunction granted by Justice Nana Brew against investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah. The injunction restrains the journalist from publishing findings of an investigation into alleged corruption involving Ms. Cynthia Adjei and the Lysaro Group.
According to PRINPAG, the court’s decision—issued before the publication of any investigative report—amounts to prior restraint and poses a serious threat to the constitutional role of the media as Ghana’s Fourth Estate.
“The ruling risks setting a dangerous precedent that could undermine public interest journalism and shield alleged wrongdoing from legitimate scrutiny,” the association stated.
PRINPAG further took issue with suggestions that journalists should restrict their work to collaborating with state investigative bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), arguing that such a position fundamentally misrepresents the media’s role in a democratic society.
“The media is not an extension of state institutions,” the statement stressed. “Its constitutional mandate is to independently pursue the truth and hold power to account in the public interest.”
The association also questioned the court’s apparent acceptance of arguments that individuals linked to private businesses are insulated from public scrutiny, even where allegations touch on public influence or state-related transactions. PRINPAG warned that democracy cannot thrive if proximity to public office places individuals beyond journalistic examination.
While reaffirming its respect for the judiciary and due process, PRINPAG cautioned that the ruling could encourage a growing trend in which public officials and their affiliates deploy legal tools to stifle media oversight—an outcome it described as incompatible with Ghana’s anti-corruption agenda and democratic values.
PRINPAG urged Mr. Appiah to appeal the ruling and pledged to provide him with legal and institutional support. The association said its stance goes beyond defending one journalist and reflects a broader commitment to protecting the public’s right to know.
“Investigative journalism is a public service, not an adversarial act,” the statement noted, adding that the development has only strengthened the media’s resolve to pursue accountability.
As part of its response, PRINPAG disclosed that it is consulting with stakeholders on establishing mechanisms to independently verify and further investigate matters of significant public interest arising from the case.
The association also called on the Judicial Service of Ghana to reflect on the broader implications of court decisions that may appear to restrict press freedom or weaken national efforts against corruption.
“The courts must be seen as partners in accountability, not as havens for those seeking to avoid public examination,” PRINPAG stated.
PRINPAG concluded by calling on Ghanaians, civil society organisations, and international partners to support efforts to safeguard press freedom, democratic integrity, and transparency in Ghana.
