In Ghana, journalists who fought for press freedom were frequently at risk of violating seditious and criminal libel laws, many of which had been in place since colonial times and imposed severe punishments such as prison terms and heavy fines. By 1999, more than 120 libel cases were still active in the courts, demonstrating persistent pressure on independent media outlets.
The majority of lawsuits were brought by government officials and members of the ruling National Defense Council in retaliation for investigative reports exposing corruption and abuse of power. A notable case saw journalist Eben Quarcoo imprisoned for allegedly defaming the president’s wife.
At the same time, eight staffers from the Weekend Statesman and JOY FM were held and interrogated after airing a tape accusing President Rawlings of wrongdoing. While some were granted bail, they faced charges for publishing false information, punishable by up to ten years in prison.
A spokesperson for the Communications Ministry called the tape’s broadcast “a bizarre attempt to create unrest against the government” just ahead of the Queen’s visit, suggesting an effort to manipulate public opinion. Even Prince Philip was warned by a Ghanaian editorial that his remarks could fall under criminal and seditious libel laws, prompting him to moderate his speech carefully.
Despite these restrictions, Ghanaian media continued to report on sensitive issues, including the purchase of a new presidential plane amid economic struggles and the University of Ghana’s excessive tuition, which led to strikes and temporary closures.
Quarcoo, former editor of the independent Free Press, was convicted on two counts of intentional libel against First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, receiving a 90-day prison sentence. He was also fined 1.5 million cedis, with a warning that non-payment could result in a two-year sentence. The publisher, Tommy Thompson Books Ltd., was fined five million cedis, though Thompson had died before the case concluded. The court opted for a minimum sentence to avoid intimidating other journalists. After paying the fine, Quarcoo was released.