Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has expressed concerns regarding the current state of the media, particularly pointing out instances of intimidation and violence against media professionals.
Bagbin has also urged for the establishment of a comprehensive national condition of service framework for individuals in the media field.
During a press event in Takoradi as part of the celebrations marking 30 years of Uninterrupted Democracy under the Fourth Republic, Bagbin highlighted that the challenging welfare conditions and physical threats faced by media practitioners have contributed to a decline in Ghana’s Human Rights ranking, posing a risk to the nation’s democratic progress.
He questioned the absence of clearly defined measures to protect and support journalists, emphasizing that the media’s role in promoting public welfare is significant and essential.
Bagbin noted, “It’s not only the fear and the intimidation, or the attacks and violence against media personnel but the working environment of the Media personnel…if the media is that important, how come the country has not come out to clearly spell out some conditions of service, even if it’s the minimal for the media personnel?”
He encouraged Ghana’s leadership to recognize the value of the nation’s peaceful democracy and the pivotal role played by the media within it.
Furthermore, Bagbin underscored that the media constitutes the fourth realm of government, crucially linking the other branches of governance with the public. He stressed the media’s influence in shaping public opinion and holding government institutions accountable.
Speaking from personal experience, Bagbin acknowledged the media’s integral role in his political journey and expressed his longstanding support for the media’s professional development.
“I have been a true friend of the media and I have always appreciated and commended the media highly. If it wasn’t for the media, I’m not sure I will be a Speaker of Parliament. If not for the media, I wouldn’t have succeeded in winning seven successive elections and staying in Parliament up till this time. I recognised it very early and since 1995, I have worked with the media throughout. I sponsored and continue to sponsor media practitioners at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, but I don’t personally take ownership of any of them.”
Source – citinewsroom.com
