Mr. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, expressed concern over the precarious economic conditions and welfare faced by many Ghanaian journalists, emphasizing that the future of journalists in the country is at stake.
Speaking at the second annual dinner night of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra, the Minister lamented the challenges faced by journalists, including delayed salary payments and inadequate statutory payments by some employers.
Referring to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, Oppong-Nkrumah pointed out that Ghana's ranking was significantly affected by the poor conditions of service for journalists in the country.
He highlighted issues such as journalists not receiving their necessary pension deductions and the impact this could have on their future, especially after leaving active service.
The Minister assured that the Ministry of Information would continue to collaborate with the GJA and other stakeholders to empower journalists and enhance their efficiency in the field.
He underscored the importance of sustaining media capacity enhancement programs to foster a vibrant media space.
Oppong-Nkrumah also mentioned the Ministry's partnership with the National Media Commission (NMC) and GJA to discipline media houses that do not comply with the ethics of the journalism profession.
This collaborative effort aims to sanitize the media space and promote professionalism.
Mr. Albert Dwumfour, the President of the GJA, expressed gratitude to the KGL Group for its support and emphasized the Association's commitment to protecting journalists in the line of duty.
He urged journalists to uphold the code of ethics of the profession as they navigate their roles in the media landscape.