Mahama earmarks GH¢10m for Media Development Fund in 2027 budget

President John Dramani Mahama has allocated GH¢10 million in the 2027 national budget to launch the reactivated Media Development Fund. The new funding aims to bolster journalists' welfare, professional training, investigative journalism, digital literacy and safety initiatives within the industry. The President made the announcement at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, where he pledged to revive the fund as part of measures to strengthen the media landscape.

Mahama emphasized his commitment to partnering with the GJA and private sector organizations to expand the fund's resources. He expressed his intention to personally engage institutions such as KGL and the Bank of Ghana to contribute to the initiative. Mahama assured journalists that the government would continue consultations with the GJA and other stakeholders to ensure the commitment is translated into tangible assistance, while preserving the media's independence.

The President also urged senior journalists, particularly editors, to mentor younger reporters by offering them opportunities to gain practical newsroom experience. Mahama stressed that developing the next generation of journalists requires more than formal training, highlighting the importance of allowing young reporters to work alongside experienced editors to build specialized skills.