MFWA launches GH¢544k Legal Support Fund for Journalists

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has established a Legal Support Fund for Ghanaian journalists, allocating an initial sum of GH¢544,000. Director Dr. Kojo Impraim made the announcement during the opening of a five-day training session on the legal framework governing media practice in Ghana. This initiative is part of the African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme (AMIRP), funded by the European Union, and implemented by MFWA in collaboration with DW Akademie Ghana through International Media Support (IMS).

The primary objective of the Legal Support Fund is to assist journalists and media houses who face legal threats or suits while pursuing their duties in the public interest. Dr. Impraim emphasized that the Fund would bolster freedom of expression, press freedom, and journalist safety across West Africa. The training, attended by media professionals from various regions, also aimed to enhance the quality of media and journalism education in Ghana.

Eligible applicants for the Fund must demonstrate that their work aligns with professional journalistic standards and serves the public interest. They must also provide evidence of the legal challenge, specify the type of assistance needed, and indicate whether the matter is urgent. Upon application review, a committee will determine eligibility for assistance before approval.

Ms Rebecca Ekpe, Vice-President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), stated that the Fund was timely and crucial in enabling journalists to work fearlessly and without intimidation. Ama Kodjo, Programme Director at DW Akademie Ghana, pledged the organization's commitment to supporting journalists in safe working environments.

Mr Abdulai Awudu, President of the Independent Broadcasting Association, expressed concern over legal suits pressuring media members and risking the collapse of some stations. He advocated for the development and enforcement of editorial policies to prevent avoidable legal challenges. Mr George Wilson Turkson, Executive Secretary of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers, expressed hope that the Fund would be accessible and transparent to all eligible beneficiaries.