GJA Demands Dedicated Defamation Law to Protect Journalists

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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged Parliament to enact a dedicated defamation law to protect journalists and clarify the legal landscape. Dominic Hlordze, the GJA General Secretary, made the call while discussing defamation suits against journalists on JoyNews.

Journalists across Ghana are grappling with uncertainty as they face defamation and contempt suits without a clear legal framework to guide them.

Dominic Hlordze is a seasoned journalist and trade unionist, having served as the GJA General Secretary since 2015. He has been an outspoken advocate for the rights of journalists and has led several campaigns to improve the working conditions and professional autonomy of media workers.

As the country continues to rely on common law principles, judges are left to navigate through complex cases without a clear statutory framework. Mr Hlordze argues that a dedicated law would provide a clear legal framework to guide the conduct of media practitioners, define the rights of aggrieved persons, and establish consistent standards for the courts.

In recent years, the Ghanaian media landscape has witnessed an increase in SLAPP suits, where powerful individuals allegedly use costly legal proceedings to intimidate journalists and silence them from reporting on public-interest issues.

Mr Hlordze stressed the need for sustained advocacy and engagement with lawmakers to identify and address the legal gaps. He acknowledged that passing such legislation would require a collaborative effort between the GJA, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.

A dedicated defamation law would provide a clear and consistent approach to addressing defamation cases, reducing the risk of SLAPP suits, and promoting a culture of accountability within the media industry. It would also help to strengthen the GJA Code of Ethics and uphold the highest standards of professional journalism.

A comprehensive defamation law would provide a clear legal framework to guide the conduct of media practitioners, define the rights of aggrieved persons, and establish consistent standards for the courts.

The GJA General Secretary emphasized that journalists must continue to uphold the highest professional standards, including strict adherence to the GJA Code of Ethics, as responsible journalism remains the strongest safeguard against avoidable legal disputes.

Over 15 defamation and contempt suits are currently pending, with many others remaining outside the public domain. Mr Hlordze is personally providing legal representation in 15 of those cases.

This move comes amid growing concern within the Association over the increasing number of defamation and contempt suits involving journalists and media organisations.

A dedicated defamation law would provide a clear legal framework to guide the conduct of media practitioners, define the rights of aggrieved persons, and establish consistent standards for the courts.

Ghana’s continued reliance on common law principles has created uncertainty within the media and legal systems, leaving journalists vulnerable to litigation. A dedicated defamation law would provide much-needed clarity and guidance to media professionals.