Alban Bagbin pledges Private Member’s Bill for journalists’ welfare

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has committed to collaborating with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on a Private Member’s Bill to enhance the working conditions of media professionals. During a meeting at Parliament, the Speaker expressed readiness to sponsor legislation that establishes basic service conditions, aimed at ensuring financial independence for journalists. He argued that such protections are essential for safeguarding media freedom and enabling the press to fulfill its watchdog role effectively without economic compromise.

Speaker Bagbin emphasized that journalism serves a critical public interest and should not be treated strictly as a commercial activity. He noted that many media organisations in Ghana face significant financial struggles and often depend on donations or external support to survive. By formalising conditions of service, the proposed bill seeks to reduce the dependency of journalists on the individuals and institutions they report on. GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor welcomed the initiative, citing economic challenges and Ghana’s declining performance in the World Press Freedom Index as urgent reasons for legislative intervention.

Beyond the welfare bill, the Speaker highlighted the need for a fair distribution of national resources to support vital democratic institutions like the media and Parliament. He also announced the establishment of democracy clubs in schools to promote civic education among the youth. The Speaker’s commitment comes ahead of the 30th GJA Media Awards scheduled for November 7, 2026, where he is set to be honoured for his contributions to media freedom and democratic governance. The awards ceremony will focus on advancing media excellence and combating hate speech in the digital age.