A recent ruling by Justice Nana Brew of the Human Rights Court 2 in Accra has sparked concerns over media freedom in Ghana.
The court ruled against investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah, who was sued by businesswoman Cynthia Adjei over his investigation into her business dealings.
The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has expressed “grave concern” over the ruling, stating it could silence journalists and reduce them to mere informants for law enforcement. WAES Interim President Emmanuel K Dogbevi says the trend of using frivolous lawsuits to stop media organisations and journalists from reporting is damaging to Ghana’s democracy.
“The growing trend of using frivolous law suits to stop media organisations and journalists from either writing or publishing stories, does not look good on a country like Ghana that is often looked upon as a good example of a multiparty democracy,” Dogbevi said.
WAES views the case as a clear attempt at censorship, particularly given Mrs. Adjei’s connections to a politically exposed person.
The organisation is calling on the Ghanaian justice system to ensure its decisions do not undermine press freedom, crucial for democracy.
Ghanaian journalists are urged to remain resolute in pursuing their constitutional obligations to expose wrongdoing and hold poer accountable.
