Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has pledged Parliament’s support for the development of legislation to improve journalists’ welfare and conditions of service in Ghana, amid concerns over low remuneration, difficult working conditions and attacks on media practitioners.

Mr Bagbin said Parliament’s Legislation Drafting Department could assist in preparing the proposed Bill, stressing that the process need not depend solely on the Office of the Attorney-General. He, however, noted that the Attorney-General’s Department would be consulted for the necessary legal advice and input.

The Speaker made the commitment when executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, paid a courtesy call on him to formally invite him to the Association’s 30th GJA Awards and Dinner Night.

During the meeting, Mr Bagbin called for improved conditions of service for journalists, observing that the profession does not adequately reward many of its practitioners financially.

His remarks come amid longstanding concerns about journalists’ welfare, including low pay, job insecurity, challenging working environments and threats to their safety while carrying out their duties.

Mr Dwumfour appealed to the Speaker to help advance the GJA’s proposals aimed at improving the welfare of media practitioners. He cited poor remuneration, difficult working conditions and physical attacks on journalists as key concerns requiring urgent attention.

The GJA President argued that better welfare and a safer working environment would strengthen professionalism and enable journalists to perform their responsibilities more effectively.

He also reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to collaborate with Parliament and other relevant stakeholders to develop practical measures to address the challenges confronting the media industry.

Mr Dwumfour expressed appreciation to Mr Bagbin for his financial and other forms of support to the Association over the years, while appealing for his continued assistance towards the GJA’s annual awards, which recognise excellence in journalism.

The 30th GJA Awards and Dinner Night is expected to honour the Speaker for his contributions to the welfare and operations of the journalism profession.

The proposed legislation, if developed and enacted, could provide a framework for addressing concerns about journalists’ working conditions and professional welfare. However, details of the proposed Bill, including its specific provisions, implementation arrangements and timeline, have not yet been provided.

EA