Salaries of journalists disgraceful – Kwame Pianim

Renowned economist, Mr Kwame Pianim has said the low salaries paid journalists is an affront to the fight against corruption in the country.

He consequently charged the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to work out modalities for better conditions of service.

A survey, conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), found out that many of the country’s journalists receive salaries below the national minimum wage.

And Mr Pianim said it was disgraceful that journalists who are expected to lead the charge in the fight against corruption are poorly paid.

He told LUV FM’s Elton John-Brobbey that journalists who are paid below the daily minimum wage constitute a real danger to the media profession.

“We need a core dedicated, respected and well remunerated professionals to man our media…I was shocked to read…that over 40 per cent of the people who work in the media receive less than average monthly wage of GH¢200. This is disgraceful,” he said.

Mr Pianim advocated scholarships for journalists especially in the oil sector to enable them adequately report on the sector.

The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the GJA, Kingsley Hope, said the GJA was liaising with the police to close down journalism training institutions that have not been given accreditation to operate.

He said unionizing journalists in the country will give them bargaining certificate to fight for better service conditions.

Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana