Accra, Ghana//-The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) says it considers the conviction and sentencing of Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald Newspaper and its website, theheraldghana.com, unfortunate.
Mr Dogbey was today convicted and sentenced by an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Addo.
He 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 issued a press release signed by its General Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi, “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 release added.
“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, it stated.
The GJA remained committed to defending media freedom, promoting responsible journalism and protecting the rights of journalists in Ghana.
