GJA pushes for minimum wage legislation for journalists

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is pushing for the creation of a private member’s bill in Parliament to address the remuneration and work conditions of journalists throughout the nation. GJA President Albert Dwumfour announced this during the Ashanti Media Excellence Awards in Kumasi, emphasizing the need for a minimum wage standard for journalists working in both state-owned and privately owned media outlets.

The association has discussed collaborating with Parliament's Speaker and leadership to introduce this legislation, which aims to ensure journalists receive a basic minimum wage and improved working conditions. Dwumfour highlighted the challenges journalists face, such as low pay, job insecurity, inadequate tools, and limited opportunities for professional growth.

He argued that better working conditions are vital for maintaining professional integrity and media independence, and for safeguarding national security. The GJA president stressed that high professional standards should be matched with fair compensation and resources, warning that poor conditions could jeopardize the quality of journalism and expose journalists to undue pressure.

The GJA is currently engaging with various stakeholders, including media owners, employers, regulators, and governmental bodies, to explore practical measures to improve the industry's conditions.