Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called for formal conditions of service for journalists in Ghana, citing the financial challenges facing media organisations and the need to improve journalists’ working conditions.
In an interview with Joy News, Bagbin argued that journalism should be recognised as a public service rather than treated solely as a profit-making business, despite many media organisations being privately owned.
According to the Speaker, newspapers and other media outlets often struggle financially because journalism provides an important public good but does not always generate sufficient revenue to sustain operations.
He noted that financial assistance from philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals has helped several media organisations remain operational despite persistent economic difficulties.
Bagbin also revealed that he had financially supported various media outlets, including publications that had criticised him.
He cited his support for Kenneth Agyei Kuranchie, a journalist and publisher of the Daily Searchlight newspaper, despite the publication’s criticism of him.
The Speaker said the financial difficulties confronting Ghana’s media industry highlight the need for a structured framework to protect journalists’ welfare and establish clear conditions of service.
His comments have renewed attention on media sustainability, journalists’ salaries, employment security and the financial pressures affecting newspaper publishers in Ghana.
Formal conditions of service could help establish clearer employment standards and improve the welfare of media professionals, while sustainable funding remains a key challenge for independent journalism.
Source: newsthemegh.com