The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has described as unfortunate the seven-day custodial sentence handed to journalist and Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper and its online platform, theheraldghana.com, Larry Alans Dogbey, following a contempt ruling by an Accra High Court.
The sentence was delivered on Thursday, June 25, 2026, by Justice Isaac Addo of the Accra High Court, after Mr. Dogbey was found guilty of contempt in relation to publications connected to a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited, and Petraco SA.
Court proceedings indicated that the contempt charge stemmed from articles published by The Herald concerning a petition filed by Petraco SA against Mr. Okyere. The court further held that the journalist failed to comply with an interlocutory injunction restraining him from further publication on the matter.
In response to the ruling, the GJA said it is closely reviewing the situation and has engaged its legal team to guide its next steps, stressing its commitment to both press freedom and due process.
While the legal and internal review process is ongoing, the GJA has called on media practitioners and the general public to exercise restraint in their discussions on the matter. The Association urged all stakeholders to be circumspect in their commentary and to allow due process to take its course.
The GJA further assured its members and the public that it will, in due course, communicate its considered position on the case, including any actions it may decide to take following its legal consultations.
In the meantime, the Association has expressed firm solidarity with Journalist Larry Dogbey, describing the period as a difficult one for the journalist. It reiterated its continued commitment to defending media freedom, promoting responsible journalism, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of journalists in Ghana.
Read below the statement by the GJA:
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.Ghana Politics Analysis
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: [email protected]
