Gifty Oware Mensah's Lawyers Threaten Contempt Action Against EIB Network Over Court Reporting

Lawyers for Gifty Oware Mensah have issued a strong warning to EIB Network Ltd, demanding that the media house immediately pull down what they describe as inaccurate reportage of court proceedings involving their client. In a letter dated 4 June 2026, the law firm Marfo & Associates threatened to cite the directors of the media house for contempt of court if the demand is not complied with.

The letter, signed by Gary Nimako Marfo Esq., Managing Partner of Marfo & Associates, states that the firm is acting on the instructions of Ms. Oware Mensah, who is currently facing trial in Republic vrs. Gifty Oware Mensah, Case No. CR/0018/2026. The lawyers claim that their attention has been drawn to misreportage of court proceedings aired by GHOne TV, which is an outlet of the EIB Network. Copies of the publications and the court proceedings were attached to the letter, according to the notice addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of EIB Network Ltd.

"You are hereby directed to pull down all the misreportage associated with this case or in default we shall cite the directors of the media house for contempt of court," the letter stated.

Contempt of court in Ghana is a serious offence. It can be applied where a publication is deemed to interfere with the administration of justice or where it misrepresents judicial proceedings in a way that could prejudice the fair hearing of a case. The law places a heavy responsibility on media houses to report court proceedings accurately and fairly, without sensationalism or distortion.

The notice was copied to Gifty Oware Mensah. However, the letter did not disclose details of the alleged misreporting or the specific charges in Case No. CR/0018/2026. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the merit of the complaint. It is not clear whether the alleged inaccuracies relate to the facts of the case, the charges, the evidence presented, or the judge's rulings. It is also not clear whether the publication was a live broadcast, a recorded segment, or an online article.

This is not the first time that EIB Network, which owns GHOne TV, Starr FM, and other media properties, has faced legal action over its reporting. The media house has been involved in several high-profile defamation and contempt cases over the years. In 2023, the Network was found liable for contempt for publishing a story that was deemed to prejudice ongoing proceedings. The court imposed a fine and warned the media house to exercise greater caution.

The current threat of contempt action raises important questions about the balance between press freedom and the right to a fair trial. The Ghanaian Constitution guarantees freedom of the press. Courts have consistently held that the media has a right and a responsibility to report on judicial proceedings. The principle of open justice requires that court proceedings be accessible to the public and the press, unless there are compelling reasons for closure.

However, that right is not absolute. Media reporting must be accurate, fair, and responsible. A publication that misrepresents proceedings, invents quotes, or omits crucial context can interfere with the administration of justice. It can prejudice the rights of the accused, influence witnesses, or bias the court. In such cases, the court has the power to punish the publisher for contempt.

The lawyers' acc0rding to report on asaaseradio.com demand for the immediate takedown of the alleged misreportage is a standard first step before seeking contempt sanctions. Takedown requests are common in media law disputes. They give the publisher an opportunity to correct the record without court intervention. If the media house complies, the matter may be resolved without further legal action. If it refuses, the lawyers may file a motion with the court seeking a finding of contempt.

The specific details of the alleged misreportage are crucial. Without knowing what was said, it is impossible to determine whether the publication actually crossed the line into contempt. Minor inaccuracies, such as a misspelled name or an incorrect date, are unlikely to be deemed contempt. Material misrepresentations, such as falsely claiming that the accused confessed to a crime or that the judge made a specific ruling, could be considered prejudicial.

EIB Network has not yet publicly responded to the lawyers' letter. The media house may choose to comply with the takedown demand to avoid a costly and reputationally damaging contempt proceeding. Alternatively, it may defend its reporting and refuse to remove the content, arguing that the coverage was accurate and that the lawyers' complaint is without merit.

For Gifty Oware Mensah, the legal battle is two fold. She must defend herself against the criminal charges in Case No. CR/0018/2026. And she must also manage the public narrative surrounding her case. Inaccurate media reporting can damage her reputation, prejudice potential jurors if the case is tried by jury, and influence public opinion. Her lawyers are understandably concerned.

For the media industry, this case is a reminder of the responsibilities that come with reporting on judicial proceedings. The temptation to sensationalise, to simplify complex legal arguments, or to prioritise speed over accuracy is strong. But the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe. Contempt sanctions can include fines, imprisonment of directors, or both.

The Ghana Journalists Association and other media advocacy groups have called for greater training for journalists covering the courts. Many reporters who cover the judiciary lack legal training. They may not understand the nuances of contempt law, the rules of evidence, or the importance of distinguishing between allegations and proven facts. Better training could reduce the incidence of inaccurate reporting.

The courts according to reports on Accra Street Journal have also been urged to be more proactive in providing accurate information to the public. Some judges have adopted the practice of issuing written summaries of their rulings, which can be distributed to the media. Others have allowed cameras in the courtroom, subject to strict guidelines. These measures can reduce the risk of misreporting.

As of now, the ball is in EIB Network's court. The media house must decide whether to pull down the contested content or to stand by its reporting and face the possibility of contempt proceedings. The lawyers for Gifty Oware Mensah have drawn a line in the sand. It remains to be seen whether the media house will cross it.

Fact-Checked : Accra Street Journal