The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as increasing acts of intimidation against journalists and news publishers by state security agencies, particularly the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the National Security Secretariat.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, PRINPAG expressed serious concern over recent incidents involving the invitation and prolonged questioning of two journalists — Mr. Gordon Asare-Bediako of ABC News and Mr. Prosper Agbenyega of the Current Issues newspaper — over reports published in their respective media outlets. The Association revealed that both individuals were interrogated for hours without legal representation.
“This is a clear affront to their constitutional rights and personal liberties.”
“Such acts of intimidation and harassment of journalists and publishers have no place in a democratic state like Ghana,” the statement noted.
PRINPAG warned that these developments pose a dangerous threat to press freedom and media independence, which are essential pillars of Ghana’s democratic framework.
The Association reminded state institutions that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution outlines lawful and legitimate channels — including the National Media Commission (NMC) and the courts — for addressing grievances related to media content.
“Resorting to extra-constitutional means, including the harassment and intimidation of journalists and publishers, is unacceptable, unlawful, and must cease with immediate effect,” the group stressed.
PRINPAG called on journalists to remain resolute and undeterred in the face of these actions and committed to their constitutional mandate of holding state officials to account and informing the public.
While defending press freedom, the Association also urged journalists to uphold high standards of professionalism and avoid sensationalism or falsehoods that could threaten national security.
PRINPAG reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of its members and vowed to take legal action if necessary.
The Association further urged civil society groups, Ghanaians, and the international community to speak out against what it described as “a dangerous trend that threatens the very foundations of our democracy”.
