Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has pledged support for legislation aimed at improving journalists’ welfare and conditions of service in Ghana.
Speaker Bagbin said Parliament’s Legislation Drafting Department could assist in preparing the proposed Bill, rather than leaving the entire drafting process to the Office of the Attorney-General.
He made the commitment when executives of the Ghana Journalists Association paid a courtesy call on him to formally invite him to the 30th GJA Awards and Dinner Night.
The Speaker said Parliament would still seek legal advice and other input from the Attorney-General’s Department as work on the proposed legislation progresses.
Bagbin Calls for Better Conditions
Speaker Bagbin also expressed concern about the financial conditions under which many journalists work, arguing that the profession does not adequately reward practitioners despite the demands placed on them.
He said improving conditions of service would help strengthen the media’s role in national development and democratic accountability.
GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour used the meeting to renew the Association’s appeal for stronger action on journalists’ welfare.
He cited low salaries, difficult working conditions and attacks on journalists as issues that require urgent attention.
GJA Ready to Work With Parliament
Mr Dwumfour said better working conditions would strengthen professionalism and allow journalists to perform their responsibilities more effectively.
He reaffirmed the GJA’s willingness to work with Parliament and other stakeholders to advance proposals addressing welfare and safety within the profession.
The GJA President also thanked the Speaker for his previous financial and institutional support and requested continued backing for the Association’s annual awards.
This year’s 30th GJA Awards is expected to recognise Speaker Bagbin for what the Association describes as his contribution to the welfare and operations of the journalism profession.
READ ALSO: Minority Demands Ablakwa Resign Over Evacuation Payments
