The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has described as unfortunate the seven-day custodial sentence imposed on journalist and publisher of The Herald newspaper, Larry Alans Dogbey, following an Accra High Court’s ruling that found him guilty of contempt of court.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Association said it is closely monitoring developments surrounding the case and has engaged its legal team to assess the implications of the ruling before determining its next course of action.
Mr. Dogbey was sentenced by an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Addo after the court found him guilty of contempt in connection with publications relating to an ongoing legal dispute between businessman Kevin Okyere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (SEP), and Petraco SA.
The contempt proceedings arose from articles published by The Herald concerning a petition filed by Petraco SA against Mr. Okyere. According to the court, Mr. Dogbey violated an interlocutory injunction that restrained him from publishing further statements on the matter while the case remained before the court.
Reacting to the judgment, the GJA said it considers the development regrettable and is carefully reviewing the legal issues surrounding the case.
“The Association considers this development unfortunate and is closely monitoring the issues arising from the case. 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 also appealed to journalists, media organisations and the public to exercise restraint in commenting on the matter while legal consultations are ongoing.
“We encourage all stakeholders to be circumspect in their commentary and to allow due process to take its course,” the statement added.
The GJA assured its members and the public that it would communicate its official position after receiving legal advice and determining the appropriate response.
In the meantime, the Association reaffirmed its support for Mr. Dogbey.
“The Association stands in firm solidarity with Journalist Larry Dogbey during this difficult period. The GJA remains committed to defending media freedom, promoting responsible journalism and protecting the rights of journalists in Ghana,” the statement concluded.
