Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has assured the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) that Parliament will collaborate with the Association to draft a Private Member’s Bill to enhance the welfare and working conditions of journalists. He gave the assurance on Tuesday at Parliament House when the GJA National Executive paid a courtesy call on him to formally invite him as Special Guest of Honour to the 30th GJA Media Awards, slated for November 7, 2026. Mr Bagbin acknowledged the media as a vital pillar of democracy, recalling how Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, effectively used the media in the independence struggle. He described power as a “monster” that must be managed to serve the people, and commended journalists for their sacrifices, often working under difficult and dangerous conditions to keep citizens informed.
The Speaker stressed that journalism is indispensable to society, with the power to shape public opinion and make or unmake politicians, and must therefore be guided by responsibility, ethics and national interest. He disclosed that Parliament is establishing democracy clubs in schools nationwide to deepen young people’s understanding of democratic principles and civic responsibility. He also urged journalists to work towards improving Ghana’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, aiming to move the country from among Africa’s leaders to the top spot on the continent.
GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour lauded Mr Bagbin for his consistent advocacy for improved economic conditions for journalists and media practitioners. He revealed that the Speaker will be among a select group of distinguished statesmen to be honoured at the 30th GJA Media Awards for his contributions to democratic governance and media freedom.
As part of the engagement, Mr Bagbin presented 30 copies of Parliament’s Code of Conduct and Ethics for Members of Parliament to the GJA to support the media in promoting accountability among legislators, and also donated copies of a book authored by veteran journalist Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo to the Association. The 30th GJA Media Awards will be held on the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
