Larry Dogbey’s 7-day jail term unfortunate – GJA

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has described as unfortunate the seven-day custodial sentence imposed on journalist and publisher of The Herald newspaper, Larry Alans Dogbey, following a contempt of court ruling.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Association said it is closely monitoring developments in the case and has sought legal advice to guide its next course of action.

Mr. Dogbey was sentenced on Thursday, June 25, by an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Addo after being found guilty of contempt in relation to publications concerning a legal dispute between businessman Kevin Okyere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (SEP), and Petraco SA.

The contempt charges stemmed from articles published by The Herald regarding a petition filed by Petraco SA against Mr. Okyere.

According to the court, Mr. Dogbey failed to comply with an interlocutory injunction restraining him from publishing further statements on the matter.

Reacting to the ruling, the GJA said it is taking steps to fully understand the legal implications of the decision.

“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 discussing the matter while 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 its members and the public that it will soon communicate its considered position on the case and any actions that may follow.

In the meantime, the Association expressed solidarity with Mr. Dogbey.

“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,” the statement said.

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.

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]