Ghanaian Journalist Oheneba Boamah Bennie Jailed for Contempt

Accra, February 8, 2022 – A High Court in Accra has sentenced Oheneba Boamah Bennie, a broadcast journalist with Power FM, to 14 days in prison after finding him guilty of contempt of court.

Presiding Judge Justice Elfreda Dankyi also imposed a GH¢3,000 fine (approximately USD 450) on Bennie. He is set to serve his sentence at Nsawam Prison, one of Ghana’s most notorious maximum-security prison facilities.

Allegations Against the President

Bennie was prosecuted following a Facebook video in which he alleged that President Nana Akufo-Addo had met eight Supreme Court judges in an attempt to influence their ruling on the 2020 presidential election petition. The case, filed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), sought to challenge the election results, which secured a victory for Akufo-Addo.

Following these allegations, Ghana’s Attorney General took legal action against Bennie, leading to his conviction for contempt of court.

Implications for Press Freedom

The sentencing has sparked debate among press freedom advocates, with concerns about the increasing crackdown on journalists in Ghana. Critics argue that while journalists should be accountable for their statements, imprisoning them for their comments may set a dangerous precedent for media freedom and free speech.