The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has registered its profound concern and disappointment at the recent ruling by Justice Nana Brew of the Human Rights Court 2 in Accra, which granted an interlocutory injunction against investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah.

According to the Association, the decision, which temporarily restrains Mr. Appiah from publishing the findings of his investigation into alleged corruption involving Cynthia Adjei and the Lysaro Group, raises serious questions about judicial support for press freedom and accountability in Ghana.

PRINPAG say though they respect the judiciary and the legal processes they believe this ruling risks empowering a wider trend in which public office holders and affiliates exploit legal mechanisms to frustrate media oversight. 

"We call on the Judicial Service of Ghana to reflect carefully on the implications of rulings that may unintentionally appear to hinder press freedom and weaken national anti-corruption efforts" the statement said. 

PRINPAG also worries that the ruling has the potential to set a dangerous precedent that undermines the constitutional duty of the media as the Fourth Estate. 

According to the Association,  suggestions that journalists should limit their work to collaborating with state investigative bodies such as EOCO misrepresent the media’s constitutionally mandated role as independent watchdogs.

"We wish to state clearly that investigative journalism remains a critical public service, not an adversarial act.

The media’s responsibility is not to act as an extension of state institutions, but to pursue the truth in the interest of the public," the statement emphasised.

PRINPAG also urged Mr. Innocent Samuel Appiah to file an appeal, pledging its full support.

"We stand ready to provide all appropriate legal and institutional support. Our position is guided not only by a defense of one journalist, but by the broader responsibility to protect the Ghanaian public’s right to know" 

The Association warned that Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive where individuals who benefit from proximity to public office are beyond journalistic scrutiny.

The PRINPAG added, it is consulting stakeholders toward establishing mechanisms to independently verify and further investigate matters of significant public interest raised in this case.

"We urge Ghanaians, civil society groups, and international partners to stand with us to safeguard press freedom, democratic integrity, and the principles of transparency upon which our Republic is built", the statement concluded.