Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has reiterated Parliament’s readiness to collaborate with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to develop a Private Member’s Bill to improve the working conditions of journalists in Ghana.
According to him, journalists who risk their safety to keep the public informed should not be subjected to poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, job insecurity, and threats to their personal safety.
Delivering an address at the 30th GJA Media Awards on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Mr Bagbin stressed that improving journalists’ welfare is essential to protecting media independence and strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
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He argued that journalists must not be expected to defend democracy while being denied the basic conditions necessary to practise their profession with dignity and independence.
“It is unacceptable that those who risk their safety to keep the public informed should have to contend with poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, job insecurity and threats to their personal safety,” he stated.
The Speaker disclosed that during a recent meeting with the leadership of the GJA, he assured the Association of Parliament’s willingness to support the development of legislation to address challenges confronting journalists.
“I wish to reiterate that commitment this evening. Parliament is prepared to engage the GJA and other relevant stakeholders to examine the legislative and policy measures that can strengthen the professional environment of journalism in Ghana,” he said.
Mr Bagbin maintained that a free press requires more than constitutional guarantees, insisting that journalists need an enabling environment in which they can work without intimidation, harassment, violence or undue interference.
He also called for economically viable media institutions capable of providing decent conditions of service for their employees.
According to him, the responsibility of protecting journalists should not rest solely on Parliament or the GJA, but must involve law enforcement agencies, political actors, media owners, traditional authorities and citizens.
He urged all stakeholders to respect the work of the media and protect the space for independent journalism.
The Speaker emphasised the importance of the media in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance, describing journalists as indispensable partners in Ghana’s democratic development.
He assured journalists that Parliament would remain accessible to the media and encouraged them to approach the House confidently in carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Mr Bagbin also urged journalists to move beyond sensational political exchanges and partisan confrontations to explain the substance of legislation, parliamentary decisions and public policies to citizens.
The 30th GJA Media Awards brought together President John Dramani Mahama, traditional rulers, including Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, media practitioners and other distinguished guests to celebrate excellence in journalism.
The Speaker congratulated the GJA, particularly its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and the National Executive for sustaining the awards and promoting professional standards in the media industry.