PRINPAG Condemns High Court Ruling Against Investigative Journalist, Reaffirms Press Freedom and Anti-Corruption Mandate
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has expressed strong concern over a recent High Court ruling that temporarily restrains investigative journalist, Innocent Samuel Appiah, from publishing findings linked to alleged corruption involving Cynthia Adjei and the Lysaro Group.
In a statement signed by PRINPAG President David Sitsope Tamakloe, the association described the injunction, issued by Justice Nana Brew of Human Rights Court 2 in Accra, as a form of restraint that threatens the constitutional role of the media as the Fourth Estate.
“PRINPAG views this ruling as a worrying development with the potential to set a dangerous precedent that undermines public interest journalism and shields suspected wrongdoing from scrutiny,” the statement said.
The association criticized suggestions that journalists should limit investigations to state institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), emphasizing that the media’s role is independent oversight, not an extension of government agencies. PRINPAG also expressed concern over the court’s acceptance that individuals with private business status could be insulated from public accountability despite links to public office.
While affirming respect for the judiciary, PRINPAG urged Mr. Appiah to appeal the ruling and pledged institutional support, framing the matter as not only a defense of one journalist but as a broader effort to safeguard the public’s right to know.
The association further announced consultations with stakeholders to establish independent verification mechanisms for issues of significant public interest raised in the investigation.
PRINPAG, in the statement, called on the Judicial Service of Ghana to consider the implications of rulings that may appear to hinder press freedom and weaken national anti-corruption efforts. “The courts must be seen as partners in the pursuit of accountability, not as havens for those seeking to avoid public examination,” the statement added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism, describing it as a critical public service and urging Ghanaians, civil society, and international partners to support efforts to preserve press freedom, transparency, and democratic integrity.
