The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has broken its silence regarding the seven-day custodial sentence imposed on journalist and publisher of The Herald newspaper, Larry Alans Dogbey.
It will be recalled that Larry Dogbey, in a Facebook post, announced that he had been convicted and sentenced to jail by an Accra High Court.
According to Larry Dogbey, he was convicted and sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment in a case involving the CEO of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (SEP), Kevin Okyere and multinational company Petraco SA.
In a post shared on Facebook, Larry Dogbey wrote, “Justice Isaac Addo of an Accra High Court has just convicted me and sentenced me to seven days’ imprisonment in the case involving Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA”.
He further disclosed that the Herald newspaper only reported on a petition filed by the multinational company.
He argued that the conviction was unjust, highlighting that he was only performing his professional responsibilities as a member of the media.
“The Herald newspaper reported only on a petition filed by the multinational company with CID, EOCO, GIPC, Attorney-General, etc. Ghana deserves better. Journalism is not a crime”, he added.
According to the GJA, Larry Alan Dogbey’s seven-day custodial sentence imposed on him is unfortunate.
The GJA disclosed that they are closely monitoring developments in the case and have sought legal advice.
The GJA, reacting to the ruling, stated, “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”.
“We encourage all stakeholders to be circumspect in their commentary and to allow due process to take its course,” it added.
“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 the GJA 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
See the post below:
@ghnow_ The minority leader, Hon. Afenyo Markin has arrived at the Tescon general meeting #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
