The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed readiness to support the sponsorship of a private member’s bill in Parliament to improve the working conditions and economic welfare of journalists in Ghana.
GJA President Albert Dwumfour said the association is prepared to partner with sponsors and other stakeholders to advance legislation that would help address the economic challenges facing media practitioners.
He disclosed this during a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when a delegation of the Association visited Parliament to invite him to the GJA’s 30th Media Awards scheduled for November 7.
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According to Dwumfour, the proposed legislation would seek to improve the economic conditions of journalists and strengthen the country’s media ecosystem.
“Right Honourable Speaker, if you give us the opportunity, we are ready to partner to sponsor that private member’s bill to look at improved working conditions for journalists,” he said.
According to the GJA president, the economic circumstances of journalists have become an important factor affecting Ghana’s position on the World Press Freedom Index.
He explained that economic conditions were introduced as one of the indicators used in assessing press freedom in 2019, adding that the development had significantly affected Ghana’s ranking.
Mr Dwumfour said the association is working to restore Ghana’s position among the leading countries on the continent in terms of press freedom.
He noted that Ghana has historically maintained a position among the top three countries in Africa but is currently ranked fourth on the continent and eighth globally, according to the figures he cited.
He called on the Speaker to use his leadership and influence to support efforts to improve journalists’ welfare and strengthen the media industry.
Responding to the GJA delegation, Mr Bagbin reiterated the need for formal and well-established conditions of service for journalists, describing media practitioners as providers of a critical public service.
He disclosed that Parliament has established a drafting department to strengthen its capacity to develop legislation, while continuing to seek legal advice from the Attorney-General’s Department where necessary.
He said the department could be directed to support in developing a private member’s bill in support of the GJA president’s proposal.
He argued that journalism should not be treated merely as a private commercial enterprise, even where media organisations are established and owned by private individuals.
“While the products are critical public goods, they are not private businesses. But we have allowed it to look like because it is established by a private individual, that is private business,” he said.
The Speaker maintained that journalists play an essential role in society and governance, stressing that the profession requires adequate recognition and support.
He also expressed concern about attacks on journalists, arguing that media practitioners contribute to public discourse and should not be targeted simply because of their reporting.
Mr Bagbin said political leaders benefited from working with the media, noting that journalism has historically contributed to political mobilisation, leadership development and Ghana’s struggle for independence.