GJA calls for better pay and conditions to protect media independence

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for improved remuneration and working conditions for journalists, warning that poor welfare threatens media independence and professional integrity.

President of the Association, Albert Dwumfour, said the economic conditions under which many journalists work continue to undermine the dignity and independence of the profession.

Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, he identified poor remuneration, insecure employment, inadequate conditions of service, irregular salary payments and limited opportunities for professional development as persistent challenges facing media practitioners.

“Poor remuneration, insecure employment, inadequate conditions of service, irregular salaries, and limited opportunities for professional development continue to undermine the dignity and independence of journalists,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour argued that journalists who struggle to meet their basic needs could become more vulnerable to undue influence and professional compromise.

“Improving journalist welfare is therefore not simply a labour issue. It is an investment in media independence, professional integrity and the quality of our democracy,” he said.

He stressed that the media industry must address the economic realities of journalists if it expects them to uphold professional standards and hold public institutions accountable.

The GJA President said the Association could not demand courageous, independent and ethical journalism while overlooking the conditions under which media practitioners operate.

“Those who dedicate their lives to informing society, holding power accountable, and defending the public interest deserve decent working conditions and a dignified standard of living,” he stated.

The Association has intensified engagement with Parliament on the need for legislative intervention to improve journalists’ conditions of service.

It is also seeking to work with Parliament, media owners and labour stakeholders to develop a framework for addressing concerns about remuneration, job security and the general welfare of media practitioners.