6 October 1997

Alert

Journalists under investigation


Incident details

Kwesi Biney, Frank Awuah

journalist(s)

legal action


(CPJ/IFEX)- On 1 October 1997, Kwesi Biney, a correspondent for
the "African Observer", received a call from the economic crime
bureau of Accra police asking him to report to the Criminal
Investigation Department the following day. Biney, who was
accompanied to the meeting by "African Observer" circulation
manager Frank Awuah, was informed that he was being investigated
for criminal reporting, and that Awuah was being investigated as
an alleged accomplice to this crime. Both journalists were
released on police bonds of 10 million cedis (approximately US$
4550) each.





The investigation stems from an article printed in the 4 - 10
September issue of the "African Observer" entitled "Minister of
Injustice", which reported on the corrupt practices of Minister
of Justice Yao Obed Asamoah. Benit and Awuah are expected to
report back to the police station on 10 October for further
proceedings.

Recommended Action



Send appeals to authorities:
  • urging them to announce the official charges and reasons for the
    investigation




    Appeals To


     
    His Excellency Jerry Rawlings
    President of the Republic of Ghana
    The Castle
    PO Box 1627
    Accra,Ghana
    Fax: +233 21 664 089







    Please copy appeals to the source if possible.





    Source:

    Putting free expression issues in perspective.

    Sign up to receive IFEX In Context.

    • At a glance

    Ghana
    Ghana
     
    Key reports and information
     
    IFEX is a global network of committed organisations working to defend and promote free expression.
    Permission is granted for material on this website to be reproduced or republished in whole or in part provided the source member and/or IFEX is cited with a link to the original item.