The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has raised concerns over a High Court ruling that granted a permanent injunction preventing a journalist from publishing investigative findings.
The Association described the judgment as a serious threat to press freedom.
The ruling was delivered on 7 November 2025 by the High Court (Human Rights Division) in the case of Ms Cynthia Adjei v Mr Innocent Samuel Appiah and the Attorney General.
The case stemmed from a human rights enforcement action filed by Ms Adjei, a private businesswoman, against investigative journalist Mr Appiah.
Ms Adjei claimed that Mr Appiah, through WhatsApp messages and letters, requested detailed information about her businesses, collectively known as the Lysaro Group.
The inquiries focused on alleged non-renewal of company documents, tax compliance, potential conflicts of interest in procurement contracts at GOIL, and the acquisition of government lands.
In his defence, Mr Appiah argued that he was conducting routine investigative journalism on matters of public interest.
He noted that his communications adhered to ethical protocols, giving the subject the opportunity to respond before publication, and no story had been published when the lawsuit was filed.
The Court ruled in favour of Ms Adjei, holding that requesting information for publication violated her right to privacy under Article 18(2) of the Constitution.
It issued a permanent injunction barring the journalist from publishing any information about her and awarded costs against him, though her claim for damages was denied.
Commenting on the ruling at the 3rd GJA Dinner Night in Accra, GJA President Mr Albert Dwumfour said: “The recent ruling by the High Court sends a chilling message to every journalist in this country”.
“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.”
He added that the Association would challenge legal actions that undermine journalists’ rights and urged the judiciary to balance protecting individual reputations with safeguarding the public’s right to know in a democracy.
