Private newspapers petition Chief Justice on fines

Accra (Greater Accra), 10th June 99-

The Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has sent a petition to the Chief Justice expressing shock at a 42 million Cedis fine imposed as damages on the "Ghanaian Chronicle" for libel.

A petition, signed by Mr Nii-Laryea Sowah, General Secretary of PRINPAG, said the amount, the highest ever imposed on any newspaper in the country, is rather excessive and harsh.

"It would, therefore, be worthwhile for our judiciary to seriously ponder over a situation, where all newspapers would be closed down leaving sycophants and proteges to rulers.

"Much as members of PRINPAG detest blackmail and character assassination, we maintain that monumental fines are not the right corrective measure to bring sanity to the publishing industry."

The petition said newspapers contribute to increasing literacy as well as strengthening the pillars of democracy and no attempt should be made to stifle their existence.

"PRINPAG is appalled by the fact that within a period of eight months, a fine of 96 million cedis has been imposed on its members - The Voice 20 million cedis, The Guide 30 million cedis and the Ghanaian Chronicle 46 million cedis.

"As publishers, we are aware that damages are meant to compensate for the harm done to the plaintiffs and to cover their costs.

"However, of late, there is no evidence in any relation between the damages being awarded in libel cases and the harm done. Justice, it is said, must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done."

PRINPAG said it believes that the nature of the damages demonstrate that those, who impose the fines are not aware of the mechanism or cost of producing a newspaper.

"If they claim to be aware then we suggest that there is a deliberate attempt to cripple the private press enterprise.

"PRINPAG believes that when free speech dies, the judiciary would not be safe.

"We appeal to the Judiciary to consider the huge fines and allow justice to prevail."

GRi?/