The government has acknowledged growing concerns about the economic challenges facing journalists in Ghana, warning that financial difficulties within the media space could weaken press independence and affect professional standards.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) World Press Freedom Day Commemoration and Honours Night in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, stressed that protecting press freedom goes beyond constitutional and legal guarantees.
He explained that many journalists continue to work under difficult financial conditions, a situation that can make them vulnerable to undue influence and compromise editorial independence.
According to him, “an economically independent press is a free press,” adding that the true strength of the media is closely tied to the welfare and stability of those who work within it.
Sam George further noted that safeguarding press freedom requires deliberate policies aimed at improving the working conditions of journalists, in addition to protecting freedom of expression.
He called on the Ghana Journalists Association to step up advocacy for better welfare structures and support systems, especially for young journalists entering the profession under challenging circumstances.
The Minister also assured that government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote a sustainable and independent media environment, capable of resisting both political and economic pressures.
He emphasized that improving the welfare of journalists is essential to strengthening credibility in the media and ensuring that the press continues to effectively perform its watchdog role in society.
The remarks were part of a broader address at the event, which also highlighted Ghana’s progress in global press freedom rankings, while drawing attention to emerging challenges such as the spread of misinformation in the digital space.
