A group identifying themselves as Concerned Lawyers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a scathing statement condemning Sampson Lardy Anyenini, host of Newsfile on Joy News, for what they describe as persistent unethical and unprofessional conduct.
The statement, released on Sunday, May 18, 2025, accuses Mr. Anyenini—himself a lawyer—of using his platform to launch “unprovoked and slanderous attacks” against NPP stalwart and former MP Kennedy Agyapong.
“We… are compelled to speak out in defence of the integrity of the Ghanaian judiciary and in protection of the professional and personal reputation of Hon. Kennedy Agyapong,” the lawyers said. “Mr. Anyenini’s recent commentaries… crossed the boundaries of responsible journalism and professional ethics.”
According to the Concerned NPP Lawyers, Mr. Anyenini has consistently portrayed Agyapong in a negative light, making “serious and often unfounded allegations” without offering him an opportunity to respond. They accuse the journalist of violating fundamental principles of media responsibility, including fairness and balance.
The lawyers also took issue with what they described as defamatory language on the show, pointing to phrases such as “lootocratic politics” and suggestions that Agyapong enriched himself through illicit means or influenced judicial outcomes via corruption—claims the group insists have no evidentiary basis and have either been dismissed in court or remain unsubstantiated.
“Such conduct is wholly inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a Journalist,” the statement said, adding that Mr. Anyenini’s failure to offer a right of reply fell short of the Ghana Journalists Association Code of Ethics and the Legal Profession’s Conduct and Etiquette Rules.
They further expressed concern about Mr. Anyenini’s commentary on the judiciary, which they argue implied that some judges were complicit in treasonous behaviour and judicial bias.
“Equally, if not more troubling, is Mr. Anyenini’s tendency to cast aspersions on the judiciary… by glorifying dissenting opinions and implying corruption,” the group claimed.
