Ghanaian Journalists Face Multi-Million Cedi Legal Barrage Aimed at Silencing Watchdogs

Accra, Ghana – June 6, 2026 – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has sounded an alarm over a sophisticated and coordinated legal assault targeting journalists and independent newsrooms across Ghana. The association revealed that powerful corporate entities and political figures are employing multi-million cedi Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) to stifle public-interest investigations and bankrupt media organizations, marking an evolution from physical intimidation to judicial censorship.

The Judicial Battlefield Escalates

Speaking at the 2nd GJA World Press Freedom Day Honours Night at the Alisa Hotel, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour detailed the alarming financial scale of these legal challenges.

The claims currently before the high courts collectively exceed tens of millions of cedis, far surpassing legitimate claims for reputational damage.

Dwumfour argued these lawsuits are strategic maneuvers designed to deplete the legal defense resources of media houses, thereby hindering their ability to report on critical issues.

High-Profile Cases Underscore the Threat

Several ongoing litigations highlight the severity of this trend, effectively paralyzing accountability journalism in the country.

Investigative reporter Manasseh Azure Awuni is embroiled in a GH¢21 million defamation suit filed by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited following findings in his latest book.

Former Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has initiated a GH¢20 million lawsuit against television host Salifu Maase and his media outlet over broadcast comments.

In an unprecedented move within the sports sector, former Black Stars defender John Paintsil has sued multiple sports analysts and major broadcasting networks, including Omni Media and the Multimedia Group, in a case currently under trial.

Other cases include Heath Goldfields Ltd v. True Trust Media Consult, involving intense interlocutory injunction arguments, and Francis Owusu Akyaw v. Seth J. Bokpe & others, currently stalled in the Case Management Conference phase.

Even independent fact-checking organizations are not spared, as evidenced by the case of Far East Mercantile Ltd v. Nathan Gadugah & Dubawa.org.