The management of GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited has formally requested a retraction and public apology from Joy News over what it describes as a “gross misinterpretation” of facts contained in a recent publication about the company’s position on the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

In a statement signed by Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Darko, Head of Legal for GIHOC Distilleries and solicitor for Mr. Jones Borteye Applerh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company, attention was drawn to a Joy News report published on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and widely circulated on social media under the caption:

“GIHOC abandons 24-hour economy over low demand and urges government to clamp down on alcohol imports.”

According to the statement, the publication followed a working visit by the Parliamentary Select- Committee on Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions to GIHOC Distilleries.

 During the visit, management reportedly held a cordial and productive discussion with the committee on key issues, including the revival of GIHOC’s operations and the company’s contribution to the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.

However, the company says the report by Joy News “regrettably presents a gross misinterpretation of the facts and discussions that took place.”

 It further stated that “at no point during the engagement did management suggest that GIHOC has abandoned the 24-hour economy policy.”

The statement expressed concern that Joy News circulated a headline “so misleading and lacking context” without verification, stressing that such reportage could tarnish the company’s reputation.

GIHOC Distilleries is, therefore, demanding that Joy News:

Retract the said publication immediately, and Issue an unqualified apology to the company and its Acting CEO for the misrepresentation and inconvenience caused.

The company emphasized that if within seven days it does not receive a retraction and apology, it will consider “taking all possible steps, including legal action, for defamation and reputational injury.”

 

The statement concluded by urging Joy News to act promptly to preserve its institutional credibility.