The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has pledged Parliament’s support in drafting a bill to improve journalists’ welfare and conditions of service, saying the House’s Drafting Department can help develop the proposed legislation.
Responding to an appeal by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Bagbin said Parliament had the capacity to draft legislation without relying solely on the Office of the Attorney-General. Parliament would nevertheless seek advice and other input from the Attorney-General’s Department in developing the bill, he said.
Mr Bagbin also called for better conditions of service for journalists, saying the profession did not adequately reward practitioners financially.
The GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, appealed to the Speaker to help advance the Association’s welfare proposals, citing low pay, difficult working conditions and physical attacks on journalists.
Mr Dwumfour said improving journalists’ welfare and working environment would strengthen professionalism and help the media carry out its responsibilities. He reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to work with Parliament and other stakeholders on those concerns.
He also thanked Mr Bagbin for his financial and other support over the years and sought continued support for the GJA’s annual awards, which recognise excellence in journalism.
EcowasNewsOnline.com
