George Naykene, editor of an Accra weekly newspaper, the Christian Chronicle was arrested and detained in November 1992 for "intentional libel," allegedly for publishing an article in which he claimed that all members of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) had benefitted from a loan illicitly obtained by the People's National Party (PNP) from an Italian businessman (West Africa 23-29 Mar. 1992). The arrest and detention of Naykene prompted the Ghanaian Journalists' Association to issue a resolution branding his arrest as "an arbitrary use of state power and an attempt to stifle freedom of expression." (BBC Summary 29 Nov. 1991, p. 46). The resolution also demanded the "immediate release" not only of Naykene, but also of all other political prisoners (Ibid.).

According to an article published in West Africa (16-22 Mar. 1992). Naykene was arrested together with two other people: Nana Bekoe reportedly former Chairman of the PNP, and Kwesi Armah, a lawyer (Ibid.). However, Nana Bekoe appeared as witness for the prosecution at the first trial of Naykene to the surprise of the defence lawyers who accused Nana Bekoe of plea-bargaining with authorities for his release whereas Kwesi Armah remained in custody in spite of his ill health (Ibid.). Naykene and Kwesi Armah were detained for more than three months before they were brought to trial. The arrest aroused the concern of Amnesty International which appealed to
all concerned groups to take urgent action to bring pressure to bear on the government of Ghana over the detention [since] instrument under which the men were detained, Preventions Custody Law of the PNDC 1984/91...does not allow the right to challenge detention (West Africa 2-8 Mar. 1992).
The High Court rejected a bail application in respect of Naykene (BBC Summary 1 Apr. 1992) but his trial began in March. Reportedly, the trial attracted large crowds and the courtroom was filled beyond its normal capacity (West Africa 23-29 Mar. 1992). The crowd allegedly jeered when a witness for the defence, under cross-examination, Lt. Col. Gbedemah and a major during the AFRC regime, threatened to "blow off" the defence lawyer's head (Ibid.). Judgement in Naykene's case is pending (West Africa 18-24 May 1992). Further information about Kwesi Armah is currently unavailable to the IRBDC in Ottawa. For additional information on Mr. Naykene's case please refer to the attached documents.

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 1 April 1992. "High Court Dismisses Editor's Bail Application." (NEXIS)

BBC World Service [London, in English]. 25 November 1991. "Journalists' Association Condemns Editors' Arrest." (FBIS-AFR-91-230 29 November 1991, p. 46).

West Africa [London]. 18-24 May 1992. "Naykene Case."

. 23-29 March 1992. "Ghana: Revelations at Naykene's Trial."

. 16-22 March 1992. "Chronicle Editor's Trial."

. 2-8 March 1992. "Amnesty Concern."

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 1 April 1992. "High Court Dismisses Editor's Bail Application."

BBC World Service [London, in English]. 25 November 1991. "Journalists' Association Condemns Editors' Arrest." (FBIS-AFR-91-230 29 November 1991, p. 46).

West Africa [London]. 18-24 May 1992. "Naykene Case."

. 23-29 March 1992. "Ghana: Revelations at Naykene's Trial."

. [London]. 16-22 March 1992. "Chronicle Editor's Trial."

. [London]. 2-8 March 1992. "Amnesty Concern."