The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has pledged his support for the preparation of a Bill to improve journalists' welfare and conditions of service in the country.
According to the Speaker, Parliament's Legislation Drafting Department could help develop the proposed legislation without relying solely on the Office of the Attorney-General.
He made this known when the Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) paid a courtesy call on him to officially invite him to the 30th GJA Awards and Dinner Night.
Speaker Bagbin said Parliament would nevertheless seek advice and other input from the Attorney-General's Department in developing the Bill.
He also called for better conditions of service for journalists, saying the profession does not adequately reward practitioners financially.
In his remarks, the GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, appealed to the Speaker to help advance the Association's welfare proposals, citing low pay, difficult working conditions and physical attacks on journalists.
Mr. Dwumfour said improving journalists' welfare and working environment would strengthen professionalism and help the media carry out its responsibilities more effectively.
He reaffirmed the Association's readiness to work with Parliament and other stakeholders to address those concerns.
He also thanked Mr. Bagbin for his financial and other support over the years and sought continued support for the GJA's annual awards, which recognises excellence in journalism.
This year's GJA awards is expected to honour the Rt. Hon. Speaker for his contributions to the welfare and operations of the journalism profession.