At the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards in Accra, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin confirmed Parliament’s readiness to partner with the GJA in drafting a private member’s bill that would set out clearer conditions of service for journalists and other media professionals.
GJA President Albert Dwumfour highlighted the Speaker’s assurance during the awards ceremony, noting it followed a recent meeting between the Speaker and the Association. “Mr Speaker gave the association an important assurance of Parliament's readiness to partner the GJA in developing a private member's bill to address the conditions of service of journalists and media practitioners,” he said.
Dwumfour described the pledge as a significant step toward improving the welfare and professional dignity of journalists. He said the proposed legislation could provide a framework for fair remuneration, job security, decent working conditions and overall welfare of media practitioners.
He warned that poor pay, insecure employment, irregular salary payments and limited professional development opportunities undermine journalists’ independence and the media’s role in holding institutions accountable. “A journalist who struggles to meet basic needs is more vulnerable to undue influence and professional compromise. Improving journalist welfare is therefore not simply a labour issue. It is an investment in media independence, professional integrity and the quality of our democracy,” he added.
The GJA has expressed readiness to collaborate with Parliament, media owners, labour stakeholders and other relevant institutions to craft a practical and sustainable legislative framework. The Association is looking to the Speaker’s leadership to turn the assurance into a concrete legislative process.
