The Ghanaian government has announced plans to improve journalist salaries and working conditions as part of efforts to strengthen media freedom.
The commitment came during the Ghana Journalists Association’s World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Accra, where officials addressed both the challenges and opportunities facing the profession in the digital age.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications, outlined several policy initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable media environment. These include labor reforms to ensure fair compensation, enhanced safety measures for reporters, and professional development programs. The announcement responds to longstanding concerns about journalist welfare in Ghana, where media professionals often work under precarious conditions despite their constitutional role as watchdogs of democracy.
Safety concerns remain paramount, with Kwakye Ofosu specifically referencing the unsolved 2019 murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing justice in the case, which had contributed to Ghana’s recent declines in global press freedom rankings.
The government’s pledge builds on recent media reforms, including implementation of the Right to Information Act and ongoing efforts to balance regulation with press freedom. As artificial intelligence transforms global media landscapes, Ghana aims to position its journalists for success through both policy support and practical workplace improvements.
The event also honored veteran Ghanaian journalists who have shaped the nation’s media history, underscoring the profession’s vital role in democratic governance. While the salary and condition improvements remain to be implemented, the announcement signals recognition that press freedom depends not just on legal protections but on creating environments where quality journalism can thrive.
Ghana’s media sector continues to navigate complex challenges, from economic pressures to digital disruption. The government’s commitments, if fulfilled, could help address systemic vulnerabilities while maintaining the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s more open media environments. Observers will be watching closely to see how these promises translate into concrete actions that support journalists in their essential work.
