The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has issued a stern condemnation of a recent High Court ruling, describing it as a dangerous attempt to stifle press freedom and shield corruption from public scrutiny.
The association’s reaction follows a decision by Justice Nana Brew of the Human Rights Court 2, who granted an interlocutory injunction against investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah.
The court order restrains Appiah from publishing findings of an investigation into alleged corruption involving Cynthia Adjei and the Lysaro Group.
”Prior Restraint” and Judicial Overreach
In a statement signed by PRINPAG President David Tamale, the association expressed “profound concern and disappointment,” arguing that the ruling sets a worrying precedent for the media’s role as the Fourth Estate.
The injunction was issued before the report was even published, which PRINPAG argues weakens public interest journalism.
The association rejected the court’s suggestion that journalists should primarily collaborate with state bodies like EOCO, asserting that the media must remain independent watchdogs rather than extensions of the state.
PRINPAG criticized the court for accepting the argument that the respondents are insulated from scrutiny due to their private business status, despite alleged links to public influence and state-related transactions.
”Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive where individuals who benefit from proximity to public office are beyond journalistic scrutiny,” the statement read.
A Call to Action
PRINPAG warned that the ruling reflects a growing trend where legal mechanisms are being “exploited” by public figures to frustrate media oversight.
The association further pledged full support for the embattled journalist.
Commitment to Transparency
Despite the legal setback, PRINPAG maintained that investigative journalism is a critical public service, not an “adversarial act.”
The association called on civil society and international partners to stand in solidarity to protect the principles of transparency and democratic integrity.
”The media will not relent in its duty,” the statement concluded, signaling a defiant stance against what it perceives as judicial interference in the fight against corruption.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com