Media owners in Ghana urged to invest in training, safety and fair remuneration for journalists
Mr Felix Kwake Ofosu, Minister in-charge of Government Communications, has urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve working conditions, and be responsible for the safety of journalists as they perform their duties. The post Media owners in Ghana urged to invest in training, safety and fair remuneration for journalists appeared first on Ghana Business News .
Ghana's Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, has called upon media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional development, improve working conditions, and prioritize the safety of journalists while they carry out their duties. At the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, Ofosu emphasized the importance of ensuring journalists are not assaulted, threatened, or unlawfully detained for fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
He stressed that any allegations of attacks, including those involving security personnel, must be thoroughly investigated and accountability enforced where wrongdoing is proven.
Ofosu highlighted the vital role journalism plays in national development and democracy, asserting that the protection of journalists is the responsibility of every institution committed to the rule of law. He expressed the government's commitment to preserving media freedom and urged media organizations to continue scrutinizing policies and ensuring officials remain accountable to the public.
The minister warned against the dangers of hate speech on digital platforms and stressed the need to distinguish between criminal behavior and free speech. He stressed that combating hate speech should not serve as justification for suppressing critical journalism or unpopular opinions.
The Ghanaian minister commended Ghana's 39th position on the 2026 Press Freedom Index and urged stakeholders to maintain their efforts to promote press freedom. Pointing out that the true measure of press freedom lies in a journalist's ability to investigate wrongdoing without fear of intimidation, report on public affairs without fear, and express independent editorial opinions without facing unlawful retaliation, Ofosu emphasized that the day journalists cease asking probing questions should be the day for those in government to be concerned.
He affirmed that a free media is not a threat to a responsible government but its strongest safeguard.
During the ceremony, which celebrated the media's role in Ghana's democratic governance, national cohesion, and socio-economic development, GJA President Alber Dwumfour highlighted the evolving threats faced by journalists and advocated for the appointment of a dedicated police focal point to address journalist safety and complaints. Dwumfour stated that the Association will continue to protect journalists' interests and support legislation aimed at enhancing working conditions and welfare for practitioners.
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