Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has expressed support for a proposed bill aimed at improving the welfare, salaries and working conditions of journalists in Ghana.
The initiative, being pursued in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), seeks to establish basic conditions of service for media practitioners and address longstanding concerns about low remuneration, job insecurity and the risks journalists face while carrying out their duties.
Bagbin reportedly gave the assurance during an engagement with executives of the GJA, led by its president, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour. The association’s leadership had visited the Speaker to invite him to its 30th Media Awards, scheduled for November 7, 2026.
During the engagement, the Speaker indicated that Parliament was prepared to support efforts to develop a Private Member’s Bill focused on journalists’ welfare. He also pointed to the potential role of Parliament’s Legislation Drafting Department, with input from the Attorney-General’s Department, in helping to prepare the proposed legislation.
The proposal comes amid concerns about the employment conditions of journalists in Ghana, particularly inadequate salaries and the absence of consistent standards across media organisations. Some journalists work under difficult financial circumstances despite the responsibilities associated with reporting on public affairs and holding institutions accountable.
GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has highlighted low pay, challenging working conditions and attacks on journalists as issues requiring urgent attention. The association has argued that improved welfare would help media practitioners perform their professional duties more effectively.
The proposed legislation is also linked to broader concerns about press freedom and media independence. Journalists are expected to investigate public institutions, scrutinise decisions by people in authority and report matters of public interest. However, financial insecurity can make it more difficult for media workers to operate independently.
Bagbin’s reported support reflects the view that journalists need adequate professional and financial protection to carry out their watchdog role. A stronger framework for conditions of service could help establish clearer expectations for employers and improve accountability within the media industry.
The GJA has also connected journalists’ welfare to Ghana’s performance in international assessments of press freedom. The association believes that improving working conditions, addressing attacks and strengthening professional protections could contribute to a healthier media environment.
Beyond salaries, the discussion raises questions about job security, workplace safety and the responsibilities of media organisations towards their employees. A legislative framework could provide an opportunity to consider these issues and develop standards suited to the realities of Ghana’s media sector.
However, the proposed bill has not yet become law. Its development, introduction and consideration by Parliament would require further work, including consultation and the relevant legislative procedures.
The GJA’s engagement with the Speaker forms part of its efforts to secure institutional support for reforms that could improve the professional lives of journalists across the country.
As discussions continue, attention will focus on the drafting of the proposed legislation and whether it can gain sufficient support to move through Parliament. For journalists and media organisations, the central issue will be how any eventual law addresses welfare concerns while safeguarding editorial independence and freedom of expression.
Source: Thepressradio.com
