Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, announced his backing for a Private Member’s Bill aimed at creating a formal certification and chartering framework for journalists in Ghana. The proposal, unveiled during a courtesy call with a delegation from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), seeks to establish clear professional requirements and strengthen ethical standards within the country’s media industry.
During the meeting, Bagbin urged Parliament to provide the necessary legislative support for professional groups seeking certification. He cited the Institute of Directors and other professional bodies—such as public relations practitioners, administrators and managers—as examples of organisations that have successfully secured statutory backing for their certification systems.
“And so at the end of the day, we need to have a charter where ethics and other things matter. Before you are certified, you must go through that,” Bagbin said, emphasizing the importance of a formal process that would ensure journalists adhere to agreed standards before receiving certification.
The Speaker highlighted that Parliament is prepared to assist professional groups in navigating the legislative process to formalise their standards. He noted that the proposed framework would not only set professional and ethical benchmarks but also create a recognised pathway for journalists to demonstrate their competence and integrity.
While the bill is still in its early stages, Bagbin’s endorsement signals a growing recognition of the need for structured oversight within Ghana’s media sector. By aligning journalists with a formal charter, the government aims to enhance public trust in the press and safeguard the profession against unethical practices.
Stakeholders in the media industry are watching closely as the bill moves through parliamentary debates. If passed, it could mark a significant step toward professionalising journalism in Ghana and aligning local standards with international best practices.
