Journalists Need Economic Freedom, Says Senior Journalist

Abusua FM senior journalist, Mr Kojo Marfo, has called for economic freedom for journalists in Ghana, stating that although press freedom is guaranteed, it is not enough.

Mr Marfo highlighted the poor conditions of service for journalists in Ghana, stating that the low pay negatively affects their work and can lead to undue influence from those with money.

Speaking on the issue on Nkwantannanso, he stated that “If you tell the truth, you will be hungry because the people you talk about have the money”.

He criticised the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) and senior journalists for not doing enough to protect their members and improve working conditions.

According to Mr Marfo, the GJA is not enticing to journalists, and senior journalists who reach managerial positions do not make any positive changes.

He urged the GJA to set standards for the working conditions of journalists, especially their salaries.

Despite acknowledging that freedom of the press is assured in Ghana, Mr Marfo stressed the need for economic freedom to ensure that journalists can operate independently and without undue influence.

He also highlighted the issue of assaults on journalists in the course of their work, noting that the GJA only releases a press statement and does not offer any practical help or protection to its members.

Mr Marfo’s call for economic freedom for journalists in Ghana comes amid growing concerns about the state of the media industry in the country, with many journalists facing difficult working conditions and low pay.