Back to Latest Briefings

July 20, 2026
AI-Enhanced
The Herald editor Larry Dogbey granted bail pending appeal in contempt case
Money
Policy
Key Points
- An Accra High Court has granted bail pending appeal to Larry Alans-Dogbey, Editor of The Herald newspaper, following his conviction for contempt of court.
- The bail terms, set at GH¢100,000 with two sureties, remain the same as previously granted on June 26, 2026.
- Alans-Dogbey was convicted for breaching an interlocutory injunction in a civil suit filed by businessman Kevin Okyere and Springfield Exploration and Production Limited.
- His appeal challenges both the contempt conviction and the seven-day custodial sentence, citing 13 grounds, including significant constitutional issues related to freedom of expression and media freedom.
- The appeal argues that the injunction was an unconstitutional prior restraint and that the publications were based on official public documents relating to matters of public interest.
Why This Matters
This case is highly significant for Ghana as it directly impacts media freedom and freedom of expression, core tenets of a democratic society. The outcome of the appeal could establish a vital legal precedent concerning the balance between protecting individual reputations and safeguarding the media's right to publish matters of public interest, particularly when based on official documents. This will influence the operational landscape for journalists and the public's right to information.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
July 20, 2026
Messi says ‘pain is immense’ after losing World Cup final
- Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the extra-time winner.
- Lionel Messi expressed immense pain and sadness over the defeat, marking his second World Cup final loss.
- At 39, Messi's future in international football is uncertain, making his participation in the 2030 tournament unlikely.
- Messi acknowledged the team's achievement of reaching two consecutive World Cup finals and the unifying support of Argentina.
- FIFA's disciplinary committee has launched an investigation into altercations between players from both teams after the final whistle.
July 20, 2026
GHAMRO to pay highest digital royalties ever
- GHAMRO will commence its first royalty distribution of the year on July 27, 2026, pledging to pay royalties twice annually.
- For the first time, beneficiaries will receive personalized royalty statements detailing earnings by quarter, enhancing transparency in the system.
- The organization has embraced advanced technology, including WIPO Connect and ACRCloud, to improve repertoire management, broadcast monitoring, and international rights data exchange.
- The total distributable amount is GHS1,433,571.43, with the highest single recipient receiving GHS121,000, reflecting improved collections and record digital/international royalties.
- A significant challenge remains the unresolved operating license for GHAMRO, which continues to limit local collections and negatively impact the music economy.
July 20, 2026
Full judgement: Why Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison
- Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
- The Accra High Court delivered the sentence for his involvement in illegal mining activities.
- The illegal mining occurred on the Samreboi concession located in Ghana's Western Region.
- Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court.
- This concludes one of Ghana's most closely watched prosecutions against illegal mining.


