The National Sports Authority (NSA) has withdrawn its interim injunction lawsuit against The Fourth Estate, an investigative journalism outlet, over allegations of ghost names within its payroll system.
The decision to withdraw was announced on December 19, 2024, after the NSA indicated its readiness to engage directly with investigative bodies and provide clarity on the matter.
The case arose after The Fourth Estate sought to publish findings from an investigation into alleged irregularities in the NSA’s payroll system. In response, the NSA filed an application for an interim injunction to temporarily restrain the publication, citing concerns over fairness and the potential impact of unverified claims on public perception.
A highly placed source at NSA told puretvonline that the Authority’s legal action was not intended to obstruct the investigation but to ensure due process was followed.
The source emphasised that the interim injunction sought by the NSA would have only lasted ten days, allowing time for the NSA to present its side of the story before the publication.
It noted that The Fourth Estate had initially requested an interview with the Director-General (DG) to discuss their findings.
However, the DG was unavailable on the proposed date, and the NSA requested a rescheduling to December 10, 2024. Despite this, The Fourth Estate appeared set to proceed with its publication without incorporating the NSA’s response.
Fearing the reputational damage of potentially one-sided reporting, the NSA sought legal intervention to delay the publication temporarily. The authority’s application, however, did not seek to stop the report indefinitely, underscoring its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
On December 19, 2024, the NSA opted to withdraw its case because the DG is now available for discussions. Meanwhile, The Fourth Estate has also petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor for further investigation, which create a level playing field for both sides to be heard.
At the hearing, the court granted the NSA’s motion to withdraw the case. However, recognising the expenses incurred by The Fourth Estate in preparing for the legal proceedings, the court awarded a cost of GHS 6,000 against the NSA.
The source reiterated that the NSA’s actions were driven by the principles of natural justice and transparency, clarifying that the authority’s intent was never to impede The Fourth Estate’s investigation but to ensure that the NSA had an opportunity to respond to allegations.
“The Right to Information (RTI) law grants every citizen the right to seek information, but it also mandates due process by ensuring that entities being investigated are allowed to respond to allegations before publication,” the source said.
With the case withdrawn, attention now shifts to the special prosecutor’s office, where both parties are expected to present their evidence. The NSA expressed confidence in the process, describing it as an opportunity to clarify any misconceptions and uphold its commitment to accountability.
The withdrawal of the court case, the source said, signals the NSA’s readiness to engage transparently with stakeholders while maintaining its focus on due process. As the special prosecutor begins its investigation, the public eagerly awaits a resolution to the payroll allegations that have cast a shadow over the NSA’s operations.
According to the source, this development also underscores the critical role of investigative journalism in promoting accountability while highlighting the need for dialogue and fairness in resolving disputes between institutions and the media.