Omanghana
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin have expressed readiness to work on a proposed Private Member’s Bill aimed at improving journalists’ pay and working conditions.
The proposal was discussed when the GJA’s National Executive, led by President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker at Parliament House on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The delegation also invited Mr Bagbin to the 30th GJA Media Awards, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Minimum Wage Proposal
The GJA wants the proposed legislation to establish basic conditions of service, including a minimum wage for journalists working in both state-owned and private media organisations.
Mr Dwumfour said the initiative was intended to address concerns about poor remuneration, job insecurity and difficult working conditions affecting media practitioners.
He argued that improving journalists’ economic welfare would support professional independence and help them perform their duties without undue reliance on the individuals and institutions they cover.
The GJA president also linked journalists’ working conditions to press freedom, saying financial pressures are among the factors affecting Ghana’s standing on the World Press Freedom Index.
Parliamentary Support
Mr Bagbin welcomed the proposal and said Parliament’s drafting department could assist in preparing the legislation. He indicated that advice and other input would also be sought from the Attorney-General’s Department.
The Speaker said journalists require adequate conditions of service to carry out their public watchdog role. He also recognised the contribution of the media to democratic governance and public accountability.
In a separate address delivered on his behalf in December 2025, Mr Bagbin had pledged that no law would be passed to stifle the work of journalists while he remained Speaker. He also stressed the need to balance national security with freedom of expression.
GJA Awards
During the courtesy call, the association informed the Speaker that he would receive special recognition at the 30th GJA Media Awards for his contribution to media development and democratic governance.
The ceremony will be held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
Source: Omanghana
