The Whistleblowers, Activists and Journalists Safety International Center (WAJSIC) has strongly condemned the imprisonment of The Herald publisher Larry Dogbey for contempt of court, describing the decision as a serious attack on media freedom and democratic accountability.
In a statement issued in Accra on June 25, 2026, the organisation said journalism was not a crime and journalists should not be treated as criminals for carrying out their constitutional duty.
According to WAJSIC, Mr. Dogbey was jailed for reporting on a petition that had been formally submitted to state investigative bodies, arguing that reporting on official documents is a fundamental responsibility of the media in every democracy.
The organisation warned that imprisoning a journalist under such circumstances sets a dangerous precedent that could discourage journalists from carrying out their watchdog role.
WAJSIC further criticised what it described as gag orders that silence the press, saying they only serve to shield the powerful while denying citizens access to information. It also expressed concern that the court’s full reasoning for the ruling had not yet been made public.
The centre called on the Judiciary to reverse the decision and uphold press freedom as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy.
It also urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to take firm action in defence of journalists, appealed to the Government to reaffirm its commitment to media freedom, and called on civil society organisations to resist what it termed judicial overreach.
WAJSIC further encouraged Ghanaians to recognise that attacks on journalists ultimately undermine every citizen’s right to information.
The statement concluded by expressing solidarity with Larry Dogbey and all journalists who “speak truth to power,” insisting that truth-tellers should be protected rather than punished.
The statement was signed by Chairman of WAJSIC, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
