The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed deep concern over a High Court ruling that issued a permanent injunction restraining a journalist from publishing investigative findings, describing the decision as a “dagger” to press freedom.
The ruling, delivered on November 7, 2025, by the High Court (Human Rights Division), arose from the case Cynthia Adjei v Innocent Samuel Appiah & Attorney General. The suit was filed by businesswoman Ms. Cynthia Adjei as a human rights enforcement action, alleging that investigative inquiries by journalist Mr. Innocent Samuel Appiah were defamatory.
According to Ms. Adjei, Mr. Appiah had sought information on her Lysaro Group companies through WhatsApp messages and letters, focusing on company documents, tax compliance, conflicts of interest in GOIL contracts, and government land acquisitions.
Mr. Appiah defended his actions, asserting that he was performing investigative journalism on matters of public interest and had given Ms. Adjei an opportunity to respond before publication. He also noted that the lawsuit was filed before any story had been published.
The court ruled in favor of Ms. Adjei, granting a permanent injunction preventing Mr. Appiah from publishing information related to her and awarding costs against the journalist, although her claim for damages was rejected. The court cited a breach of her constitutional right to privacy.
Reacting to the ruling at the 3rd GJA Dinner Night in Accra, GJA President Albert Dwumfour warned that the decision poses a serious threat to press freedom in Ghana.
“The recent ruling by the High Court sends a chilling message to every journalist in this country,” he stated.
He added, “Press freedom is not a gift from the state; it is a fundamental right guaranteed by our Constitution that we must defend at all costs.”
The GJA urged stakeholders, including legal and media bodies, to engage in dialogue to safeguard journalists’ ability to report on issues of public interest without fear of disproportionate legal restrictions.
