The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has observed with grave concern the emerging trend where some state security agencies, notably the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the National Security Secretariat, have resorted to inviting journalists, editors, and publishers under the guise of questioning them over publications made in their respective media outlets.
PRINPAG is particularly alarmed by the recent developments involving the invitation and subsequent grilling of Mr. Gordon Asare-Bediako of ABC News by the OSP last week, and the subsequent invitation of Mr. Prosper Agbenyega of Current Issues newspaper by the National Security Secretariat this week, to justify publications made in their newspapers. It is even more disturbing that in both instances, the publishers were subjected to hours of questioning without access to their lawyers — a clear affront to their constitutional rights and personal liberties.
PRINPAG finds this development not only unfortunate but a dangerous attack on press freedom, media independence, and ultimately, a threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials. Such acts of intimidation and harassment of journalists and publishers have no place in a democratic state like Ghana, which prides itself on a strong tradition of press freedom and freedom of expression.
We wish to remind the state security agencies that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides clear and legitimate avenues for persons or institutions aggrieved by any media publication to seek redress — including the National Media Commission (NMC), the courts, and other lawful regulatory mechanisms. Resorting to extra-constitutional means, including the harassment and intimidation of journalists and publishers, is unacceptable, unlawful, and must cease with immediate effect.
*_PRINPAG therefore:_*
1. Unequivocally condemns these acts of intimidation and harassment of journalists and news publishers by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the National Security Secretariat.
2. Calls on all state security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of journalists to practice their profession freely, without fear or intimidation.
3. Urges state institutions with concerns over any publication to resort to the appropriate legal and regulatory mechanisms provided by the Constitution of Ghana and desist from arbitrary invitations and interrogations that amount to harassment and abuse of power.
4. Encourages all journalists, editors, and publishers not to be cowed or intimidated by these acts of suppression. The media must remain resolute, fearless, and committed to their constitutional mandate of holding state officials to account and informing the public.
5. However, PRINPAG equally calls on all media practitioners to adhere strictly to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and responsibility in their reportage. Journalists must avoid sensationalism, falsehoods, and deliberate publications that may endanger national security or public order.
PRINPAG will continue to defend press freedom and the rights of its members and will not hesitate to take appropriate steps, including legal action, to protect journalists and publishers from harassment and intimidation.
We urge all well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organisations, and the international community to add their voices in condemning this dangerous trend that threatens the very foundations of our democracy.
#EnoughIsEnough
#DefendPressFreedom
#RespectJournalistsRights
*Signed:*
Jeorge Wilson Kingson
Executive Secretary
0244822034
Andrew Edwin Arthur
President
0244980088
