The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has described the seven-day custodial sentence handed to journalist and publisher of The Herald, Larry Alans Dogbey, as unfortunate, following a contempt of court ruling by the Accra High Court.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the GJA said it was closely monitoring developments in the case and has begun consultations with its legal team to determine its next steps.
Mr. Dogbey was sentenced on Thursday by an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Addo after being found guilty of contempt of court. The ruling relates to publications connected to a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (SEP), and Petraco SA.
According to the court, the journalist breached an interlocutory injunction that barred further publication on the matter. The contempt charges stemmed from articles published by The Herald concerning a petition filed by Petraco SA against Mr. Okyere.
Reacting to the decision, the GJA said it considers the development regrettable and is seeking legal direction on how to proceed.
“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 our legal team to determine the appropriate course of action,” the statement said.
The Association also urged journalists and the public to exercise restraint in their commentary as consultations continue.
“We encourage all stakeholders to be circumspect in their commentary and to allow due process to take its course,” it added.
The GJA further assured members of the public that it will communicate its official position in due course, along with any actions it may take.
In the meantime, the Association expressed solidarity with Mr. Dogbey, reiterating its commitment to defending media freedom and protecting journalists’ rights in Ghana.
