GJA seeks Private Member’s Bill to establish minimum wage for journalists

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is collaborating with Parliament to introduce a Private Member’s Bill aimed at establishing a minimum wage and significantly improving the working conditions of media professionals. GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour announced the initiative, arguing that enhancing the economic welfare of journalists is essential to maintaining professional integrity and restoring Ghana's standing in global press freedom rankings. According to Mr. Dwumfour, poor remuneration and job insecurity have increasingly affected the quality of journalism and the independence of the media. He pointed out that economic indicators have been a formal part of the World Press Freedom Index assessment criteria since 2019, and Ghana’s recent performance has been hampered by the financial struggles of its press corps. The proposed legislation seeks to create a legal framework that guarantees fair compensation and job security for all media workers across the country. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has expressed his support for the initiative, acknowledging that a robust and independent media is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy. During discussions with GJA leadership, the Speaker committed to a collaboration that would see the draft bill move through the legislative process. The GJA plans to continue its engagement with various stakeholders in the media industry to ensure the bill comprehensively addresses the systemic challenges facing the profession.