The Frimpong-Manso Institute (FMI), a non-partisan, research-focused, and solution-oriented think tank, is urging the government and private employers to promptly enhance the salaries and working conditions of journalists. This, according to FMI, would be the most appropriate way to acknowledge the invaluable sacrifices made by journalists.
In a statement issued by the President of FMI, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, FMI emphasized the importance of motivating journalists to elevate their professional standards and enhance their contributions to democratic good governance. FMI expressed disappointment that journalists are among the lowest-paid professionals compared to other branches of government such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Despite working long hours and facing significant risks, many journalists earn wages below the minimum standard. FMI acknowledged the unwavering dedication, resilience, and courage of Ghanaian journalists, commending them for their commitment to serving the public, holding leaders accountable, exposing corruption, and strengthening democracy.
“Though journalists constitute the enviable fourth branch of the tripartite government, in some instances, the little they earn is even in arrears,” the statement mentioned and said there were worse-case scenarios where a significant percentage of journalists were not paid at all.
That, the statement said, festered mediocre outputs and ethical misconduct which in turn poisoned the entire fabric of society.
That, the statement said, festered mediocre outputs and ethical misconduct which in turn poisoned the entire fabric of society.
On this year’s general election, the FMI in its statement pointed out that another crucial election beckons on December 7, this year, and called for distinctive media coverage which would promote a free, fair, transparent and peaceful conduct of the polls.
The statement, therefore, urged the media to empower voters through their information dissemination to make informed choices of men and women of substance and integrity whom the nation could trust to purify “Our democracy, protect the public purse and accelerate national development.”
