A High Court in Accra (Human Rights Division) has placed a perpetual injunction on freelance investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah, barring him from publishing or disseminating allegations against private individual Cynthia Adjei. The court, presided over by Justice Nana Brew, also awarded GH¢10,000 in costs against the journalist.
The ruling follows a privacy breach suit filed by Mrs Adjei, CEO of Lysaro Group, and prevents Mr Appiah from engaging in any investigative publications or commentary related to the subject matter of the case across both traditional and digital media platforms. While refusing to award damages, the court held that the journalist’s actions exposed the plaintiff to reputational harm, justifying the injunction and the cost order.
Justice Brew emphasised that although press freedom is constitutionally protected, it is not absolute and must be exercised within legal limits, particularly where individual rights are at stake. He noted that allegations of criminal conduct should be referred to state institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Ghana Police Service, rather than being published without due process.
The case stems from an interlocutory injunction granted in June 2025 after Mr Appiah sent questions to Mr and Mrs Adjei regarding alleged unethical practices involving Lysaro Group. Although no story was published, Mrs Adjei sought legal action to prevent publication, citing concerns over her privacy and fundamental human rights.
The ruling has generated debate within media and legal circles, with press freedom advocates warning of its potential impact on investigative journalism, while others view it as a reminder of the need for responsible and lawful reporting.