Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has urged Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam to champion the financial well-being of journalists and resource the state-owned media to deliver well on their mandate.

He said despite the economic challenges facing citizens, it was a well-known fact that journalists and media practitioners were among the lowest-paid professionals in Ghana.

The president said this at the Northern Regional Ghana Journalists Association Award, which was held in Tamale.

Mr Dwumfour emphasised that improving the remuneration of journalists paid by the State would also encourage private media owners to do the same.

“The awards, under the theme: “Ensuring Violence-Free Elections: The Role of the Media, could not have been more appropriate, given the fact that Ghana would go into a crucial election in a few months,” he stated.

The 2023 National State of the Media Report highlights the abysmal conditions of service of journalists both in the public sector and private media.

Mr Dwumfour urged the Speaker of Parliament to support a private members’ bill that will promote media freedom and ensure a good welfare regime for journalists’ who usually retire poor.

The president also urged the media to allow professionalism and high ethical standards to take precedence over anything in fulfilling their duty.

He encouraged journalists to refrain from taking sides, be objective, and contribute their quota in ensuring free and fair elections.

The media must continue to positively play the watchdog role of protecting the country’s democracy, responsibly informing, educating, and holding those in power accountable.

“This is crucial because, as the then US President, Barack Obama, stated during his visit to Ghana, strong institutions – not strong individuals – are capable of developing nations and ensuring accountability,” he said.

The president announced that the GJA, in preparation for the 2024 General Election, signed an MOU with the United States (US) Embassy, under the “GJA/US Embassy Peaceful Journalistic Discourse, to train 155 journalists nationwide.

The project’s goal, he said, was to promote violence-free and credible elections in Ghana through well-informed and trained journalists who use best practices for fact-based and non-partisan election reporting.

He commended the media for their advocacy against illegal mining in recent times, saying that it must continue to exert pressure on the relevant authorities to take the necessary actions to preserve and protect the environment.

The president urged the media to give the public frequent updates on the activities or progress of the ad hoc Ministerial Committee, which was recently formed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to deal with illegal mining.

Speaker Alban Bagbin, in a speech read on his behalf, said that journalists’ role was critical in upholding democratic values, highlighting that it was through the media that the path forward for the nation was often charted.

He said a well-supported media did not only inform, educate and entertain the public but also strengthened democracy.

He emphasised that recognising and rewarding journalists was a vital investment in funding quality public discourse.

He advised media practitioners to inspire citizens by setting the precedent for commendable journalism.

The Speaker also warned against the dangers of sensationalism, misinformation and character assassination.

He urged media professionals to uphold the highest standards in their work to ensure a peaceful and stable democratic process.

Ten journalists, as well as some television and radio stations, were awarded at the event.

Christopher Amoako of TV3, won the Education category, as well as Sustainable Development reporting on SDGs promotion, to emerge the Best Northern Regional Journalist of 2023.

Solomon Gumah of the Ghana News Agency won the Agriculture category, while Rosemary Wayo, also of the GNA, won the Road Safety and Peace and Conflict Sensitive Reporting category.

Other awardees were Yakubu Yumza (Zaa TV), Disability and Tourism, Arts and Culture categories and Bawah Mugis (Sagani) who won the Sports category.

Alhassan Dokurugu (Asaase Radio) Kawusar, won the Water and Sanitation category, Kawusar Musah of Sagani TV, the Best Young Female Broadcaster and Walkiyatu Issahaku of Fila FM, the Most Promising Young Female Journalist of the year.

Dzata FM, Karaga, was awarded Northern Regional Best Radio, Nkiligi FM as Savannah Region’s Best Radio, and Zaa Multimedia Tamale, was the Best TV Station in the Northern Region.

Baobab Micro Finance Company Limited was also awarded the Best Microfinance Company.

Mr Mohammed Bako Alhassan received the Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the development of Sports in the region.