The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has described as unfortunate the conviction and sentencing of journalist Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald Newspaper and theheraldghana.com, by an Accra High Court.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, and signed by its General Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi, the Association said it had taken note of the court’s decision and was closely monitoring developments surrounding the case.
Mr Dogbey was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment for contempt of court in connection with a publication relating to a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA.
According to the GJA, it is seeking guidance from its legal team to determine the appropriate course of action in line with its mandate to safeguard press freedom and protect the rights and welfare of journalists.
“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 urged media practitioners and the general public to remain calm and exercise restraint in commenting on the matter while legal processes continue.
It also encouraged stakeholders to be circumspect in their public commentary and allow due process to take its course.
The GJA assured its members and the public that it would soon communicate its official position on the matter and any actions it may decide to take.
“In the meantime, the Association stands in firm solidarity with journalist Larry Dogbey during this difficult period,” the statement added.
The GJA reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and protecting the rights of journalists in Ghana.
Read the statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 25, 2026
STATEMENT ON THE CONVICTION AND SENTENCING OF JOURNALIST LARRY DOGBEY
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has taken notice of the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald Newspaper and the website, theheraldghana.com, by an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Addo. Mr. Dogbey was sentenced to seven days imprisonment for contempt of the court in connection with a publication relating to a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA.
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.
While this process is ongoing, we urge media practitioners and the general public to remain calm and exercise utmost restraint in discussing the matter. We encourage all stakeholders to be circumspect in their commentary and to allow due process to take its course.
The GJA wishes to assure its members and the public that it will soon communicate its considered position on the matter and any actions that may follow.
In the meantime, 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.
Signed.
Dominic Hlordzi
General Secretary
Contact: 0208366615 / 0598825581
Email: hlordzidominic@gmail.com
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