The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) says it is seeking legal advice following the conviction and imprisonment of Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper and theheraldghana.com, for contempt of court.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Dominic Hlordzi, the Association described the development as unfortunate and said it was closely monitoring the case before deciding on its next course of action.
Mr. Dogbey was sentenced to seven days in prison by an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Addo. The contempt conviction stemmed from a publication concerning a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Swiss multinational Petraco SA.
Legal team reviewing case
The GJA said it has referred the matter to its legal team to assess the circumstances surrounding the conviction and advise the Association on the appropriate response.
“In keeping with our mandate to safeguard press freedom and protect the rights and welfare of journalists, the GJA is seeking direction from its legal team to determine the appropriate course of action,” the statement said.
The Association noted that it remains committed to ensuring journalists’ rights are protected while respecting the country’s legal processes.
Call for restraint
The GJA urged journalists, media organisations and members of the public to remain calm and avoid prejudging the matter while legal processes continue.
It called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint in their public comments and allow due process to take its course.
According to the Association, its official position on the case will be communicated after consultations with its legal advisers have been completed.
Solidarity with Dogbey
The GJA also expressed solidarity with Mr. Dogbey during what it described as a difficult period.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and protecting the rights and welfare of media practitioners in Ghana.
The sentencing has generated significant discussion within media circles, with journalists and press freedom advocates closely monitoring developments and awaiting the Association’s final position.
