Accra, Nov. 24, GNA – The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has commended the government for proposing the establishment of a National Media Development Fund and urged its swift operationalisation to support media work.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday, PRINPAG said prompt implementation of the initiative would help address the many challenges confronting both public and private media organisations in the country.
Mr David Tamakloe, the President of the Association, underscored the urgent need for the Fund, saying the media industry was currently grappling with escalating operational costs, dwindling advertising revenue, limited access to training opportunities, and sustainability challenges, particularly among smaller and privately owned media outlets.
“These pressing constraints pose a significant threat to media independence, vibrancy, and long-term viability, making the establishment of the Fund both timely and essential,” he said.
PRINPAG also lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed commitment to media development, recalling his administration’s earlier attempt to introduce a similar initiative in 2016.
“His renewed leadership and demonstrated dedication to national progress give us confidence that the vision he once championed for media advancement will now be realised,” the Association said.
While welcoming the proposal, PRINPAG urged the government to expedite processes toward the establishment and operationalisation of the Fund to ensure timely support for journalists and media institutions across the country.
Reaffirming its commitment to working with stakeholders, the Association proposed that the Media Development Fund be anchored on strong governance structures to ensure transparency, independence and effective administration.
“These should include a dedicated Secretariat, a Fund Administrator, and an Independent Board of competent and experienced individuals to ensure professional management of the Fund,” it added.
PRINPAG called on media stakeholders, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, and the public to support the initiative and rally behind efforts to strengthen Ghana’s media ecosystem.
“A resilient and independent media remains critical to deepening democracy, enhancing accountability, and advancing national development,” the statement noted.
President Mahama, during an engagement with journalists in September, highlighted plans to restore the Media Development Fund and make it more transparent for practitioners to benefit.
He indicated that the Fund would be captured in the budget of the Office of Government Communications, with a Board of Trustees constituted to manage it.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe