Pharmacy Council vrs Daniel Owusu Koranteng and Multimedia: Court allows case to travel natural course

An Accra High Court has ruled in favor of the Pharmacy Council, allowing its lawsuit against investigative journalist Daniel Owusu Koranteng and the Multimedia Group to move forward.

The Council is seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the airing of Drug Store License For Sale, a documentary alleging corruption in the issuance of over-the-counter drug licenses.

The documentary, produced by Koranteng, claims to expose how some officials demand up to GH¢15,000 to facilitate the illegal acquisition of pharmacy licenses.

The Pharmacy Council, however, argues that apart from one staff member captured in the exposé, the individuals allegedly involved in the malpractice are not its employees.

The Council maintains that airing the documentary without its full findings would unfairly damage its reputation. It is also seeking a court declaration that Koranteng’s secret recording of a conversation with its registrar was unconstitutional.

During court proceedings, Koranteng’s lawyer, Kofi Essel, waived his right to challenge an affidavit in opposition filed by the Pharmacy Council.

This decision now allows the Council to file its reply within two weeks, after which both parties will exchange witness statements before the trial officially begins. The ruling is a significant step in the legal battle, raising questions about press freedom and regulatory accountability in Ghana.

The case also unfolds amid a separate high-profile legal issue involving Koranteng, who is currently on remand over a provisional murder charge in connection with the killing of fellow undercover journalist Ahmed Suale.

His lawyer, Essel, has dismissed the allegations, insisting that Koranteng never fled Ghana, contrary to prosecution claims.

He argues that his client is being targeted due to his investigative work and has called on authorities to ensure that justice is not influenced by political or personal interests.