The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has welcomed government’s proposal to establish a National Media Fund, describing the move as timely and critical to safeguarding the sustainability of the country’s media landscape.
In a statement signed by President David Tamakloe and Public Affairs and External Relations Officer, Emmanuel Opare Djan, PRINPAG noted that the media industry is currently confronted with rising operational costs, shrinking advertising revenue, limited training opportunities and increasing sustainability challenges, conditions that particularly affect small and privately owned media organisations.
The association warned that these constraints threaten media vibrancy, independence and long-term viability, hence the need for urgent intervention.
PRINPAG expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his “thoughtfulness and longstanding commitment to media development.”
The group recalled that Mr. John Mahama first introduced the idea of a national media support mechanism during his first term in office, although the initiative could not be fully implemented before the end of that administration in 2016.
His renewed leadership, PRINPAG said, provides hope that the vision he once championed will finally be realised.
While praising the proposal, the association called on government to fast-track the processes required to establish and operationalise the fund to ensure journalists and media institutions receive timely support.
To guarantee credibility and efficient use of the fund, PRINPAG proposed the creation of strong governance structures, including a dedicated secretariat, a fund administrator and an independent board comprising competent and experienced individuals.
The association further urged media stakeholders, civil society groups, development partners, the private sector and the general public to back the initiative, emphasising that a resilient and independent media sector is essential to deepening democracy, enhancing accountability and advancing national development.
PRINPAG reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government and all relevant stakeholders to promote a free, vibrant and sustainable media environment in Ghana.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
