Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has reaffirmed Parliament’s readiness to collaborate with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on a proposed Private Member’s Bill aimed at improving the working conditions of journalists in Ghana.
He says the proposed legislative intervention will form part of efforts to strengthen the professional environment within which journalists operate and address concerns surrounding their welfare, safety and independence.
Mr Bagbin gave the assurance while addressing the 30th GJA Media Awards at the Palms Convention Centre at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
He said journalists who risk their safety to keep the public informed should not have to contend with poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, job insecurity and threats to their personal safety.
“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.
According to the Speaker, journalists must not be expected to defend democracy while being denied the basic conditions necessary to practise their profession with dignity and independence.
He maintained that a free press requires more than constitutional guarantees, stressing the need for an environment where journalists can work without intimidation, harassment, violence or undue interference.
Mr Bagbin disclosed that he had already given an assurance of Parliament’s willingness to collaborate with the GJA on the proposed bill during a recent meeting with the Association’s leadership.
He reiterated that commitment at the awards ceremony, indicating that Parliament is prepared to engage the GJA and other relevant stakeholders to examine legislative and policy measures that can improve journalism practice in the country.
“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.
The Speaker, however, cautioned that legislation alone cannot guarantee the safety and welfare of media practitioners.
He said law enforcement agencies, political actors, media owners, traditional authorities and citizens all have a responsibility to respect the work of journalists and protect the space for independent journalism.
Mr Bagbin also called on media owners and managers to ensure that their institutions are economically viable and capable of providing decent conditions of service for their employees.
Beyond journalists’ welfare, he urged media practitioners to maintain their watchdog role by holding public officials accountable and resisting attempts to compromise their independence through political or commercial interests.
He also encouraged journalists to provide accurate, fair and comprehensive coverage of parliamentary proceedings, particularly by explaining the substance of legislation and the implications of parliamentary decisions for ordinary Ghanaians.
The Speaker commended the GJA, led by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, for sustaining the annual awards scheme and advocating the safety, welfare and professional development of journalists.
The 30th edition of the GJA Media Awards was held under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama, the Gã Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and other prominent national figures in attendance. The ceremony celebrated outstanding journalistic contributions and reaffirmed the importance of professionalism and media freedom in Ghana’s democratic development.
