The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has criticised a High Court decision placing a perpetual injunction on freelance investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah, describing the ruling as restrictive and troubling for press freedom.

MFWA Executive Director Sulemana Brimah stated that the judgment poses a threat to investigative journalism in Ghana and must be challenged.

The injunction, issued by an Accra High Court, bars Appiah from publishing or sharing any allegations concerning private individual Cynthia Adjei, who sued the journalist for breaching her privacy. The ruling prevents him from releasing investigative findings related to the matter across traditional and digital media platforms.

The court also awarded GH₵10,000 in costs against him.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Brimah labelled the ruling “bizarre,” arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for accountability reporting.

“Investigative journalists have to stop their work or become employees of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), EOCO, and all these bodies. I think this is a very bizarre ruling, and it stifles journalism,” he said.

He further noted that the injunction is even more restrictive than the National Media Commission’s proposed content authorisation regime, which the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional.

According to him, the High Court’s position effectively prevents journalists from publishing information that may be in the public interest unless they submit it to law enforcement bodies first.

“The Supreme Court said, in cases of censorship, the journalist can publish whatever, but here he is being stopped. This ruling essentially says if you think you have anything, submit it to the authorities,” Mr Brimah explained.

He indicated that the MFWA will support any effort to challenge the ruling at higher courts, insisting that it is not sustainable in a democratic society.

The case has reignited long-standing concerns about press freedom, the protection of investigative journalists, and the balance between privacy rights and public interest reporting in Ghana.