The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has expressed strong concern over the conviction and sentencing of veteran journalist Larry Alans Dogbe, describing the High Court’s decision as excessive and potentially damaging to press freedom in Ghana.
In a press statement issued on June 25, 2026, the association said it had taken note of the judgment delivered by the High Court in Accra in the case of Kevin Okyere v. Larry Alans Dogbe, which resulted in the journalist being found guilty of contempt of court.
PRINPAG, the umbrella body representing private newspaper and online news publishers across the country, stated that while it respects the judicial process, it is deeply troubled by the outcome of the case and its implications for journalism.
According to the association, the ruling was “harsh, unreasonable, and disproportionate,” particularly when viewed against the circumstances surrounding the case.
The association argued that concerns regarding the substituted service of court documents, the disputed notice involved in the proceedings, and constitutional protections available to journalists should have been given greater consideration.
PRINPAG specifically pointed to Articles 162 and 165 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantee freedom and independence of the media, insisting that these provisions remain critical pillars of Ghana’s democratic governance.
The association noted that Mr. Dogbe is not only a seasoned journalist but also a respected member of Ghana’s media fraternity whose contributions to public-interest journalism have earned him professional recognition over the years.
“Mr. Larry Dogbe is not only a senior journalist but also a respected member of our fraternity whose work has contributed significantly to public-interest journalism,” the statement emphasized.
PRINPAG warned that the judgment could set what it described as a “troubling precedent for media freedom and responsible journalism in Ghana,” if not subjected to further legal scrutiny.
In response to the ruling, the association disclosed that it has begun engaging with Mr. Dogbe’s legal team to assess the available legal options and pursue appropriate remedies.
The statement revealed that PRINPAG is actively exploring “all available remedies, including the appropriate appellate processes,” in a bid to challenge the decision and seek redress through the courts.
The association reiterated its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and respect for Ghana’s judicial institutions, stressing that its concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to legal accountability.
However, PRINPAG maintained that journalists must not face punitive sanctions merely for carrying out their constitutional mandate of informing the public on matters of public concern.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law while also insisting that journalists must not be subjected to punitive measures for performing their constitutional duty to inform the public, particularly on matters involving public resources and accountability,” the statement said.
Signed by PRINPAG President David Tamakloe, the statement concluded with an assurance that the association will continue to monitor developments in the case and keep both the media and the general public informed of any significant updates as the matter progresses.
Below is the full statement
For Immediate Release
June 25, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PRIVATE NEWSPAPERS AND ONLINE NEWS PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (PRINPAG) ON THE SENTENCING OF LARRY DOGBE OF THE HERALD NEWSPAPER
PRINPAG has taken note of the judgement delivered today by the High Court in Accra in the matter of Kevin Okyere v. Larry Alans Dogbe, which resulted in the conviction of Mr. Dogbe for contempt of court.
As an association representing private media practitioners across the country, we express our deep concern about the ruling, which we believe is harsh, unreasonable, and disproportionate, especially given the circumstances surrounding the substituted service, the disputed notice, and the broader constitutional protections afforded to journalists under Articles 162 and 165 of the 1992 Constitution.
Mr. Larry Dogbe is not only a senior journalist but also a respected member of our fraternity whose work has contributed significantly to public-interest journalism.
PRINPAG is actively engaging his legal team to explore all available remedies, including the appropriate appellate processes, to rectify what we consider a troubling precedent for media freedom and responsible journalism in Ghana.
We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law while also insisting that journalists must not be subjected to punitive measures for performing their constitutional duty to inform the public, particularly on matters involving public resources and accountability.
PRINPAG will continue to monitor developments closely and will update the media and the public as necessary.
David Tamakloe
President
PRINPAG
