The National Executive Council of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana, PRINPAG is informing members that, in view of recent incidents involving the invitations, arrests, and detention of some Editors and Publishers over stories published in their respective outlets, the Association has made arrangements for dedicated lawyers to be on standby to provide legal support services to members in need.
“Accordingly, any member who receives an invitation, is arrested, or is detained by any security agency in relation to their professional work is encouraged to promptly contact the PRINPAG Secretariat for legal assistance.
“We, however, wish to take this opportunity to remind all members to remain professional, responsible, and ethical in the discharge of their duties as media practitioners”, a statement issued by the association said.
PRINPAG also confirmed that Prosper Agbenyega, the editor of Current Issues newspaper, was invited and questioned by National Security officials earlier on Monday in connection with a recent publication involving alleged classified documents.
The association assured members that Mr. Agbenyega has returned safely and is in good health.
“The PRINPAG National Secretariat wishes to inform members that we have spoken with our colleague, Mr. Prosper Agbenyega, Editor of Current Issues Newspaper, following his invitation and appearance at the National Security premises earlier today,” the statement said.
The interaction, which reportedly lasted approximately three hours, focused on a sensitive publication made by the journalist last week.
According to PRINPAG, “Agbenyega has since returned and is in good health. He reported that the engagement was cordial and professional. The discussion… centered on a publication he made last week concerning some classified documents.”
The Secretariat emphasized that no arrest was made, and Mr. Agbenyega was not charged nor placed under any bail conditions.
“He was neither charged nor arrested, and no bail conditions were imposed on him,” the statement clarified.
This development comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over journalistic freedom and national security matters in Ghana, raising broader questions about press freedom, source protection, and the limits of investigative reporting in democratic spaces.
The Secretariat expressed appreciation for the support shown by the media community, stating, “We thank all members for their concern and solidarity.”
While PRINPAG’s update offers reassurance regarding Mr. Agbenyega’s well-being, the incident highlights the delicate balance between national interest and press responsibility.
As the situation unfolds, the media fraternity is likely to keep a watchful eye on any further implications for editorial independence and journalist safety in Ghana.
