The Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is demanding some commitment from government since the association is also engaged in informing Ghanaians about key issues and other developments in the country as far as COVID-19 is concerned. The association would also want some incentives or its frontline staff as they are also key in pointing out issues and disseminating of information to the Ghanaian population.
“On my part and on the part of government, we will continue to see what we can do to meet you halfway, ease the issues that you have. I think you heard my broadcast the other day, I indicated the measures that we want to put in place to support you in the work that you are doing,” Akufo-Addo noted.
At a press briefing with the Ghana Journalist Association and Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), President of PRINPAG, Edwin Arthur advised that a fund is set aside to cater for media professionals during this period
“All media practitioners who have been lending support to the national effort also as front liners in the fight against the spread of the virus and in this sense, we expect to be elevated to that status for the purpose in the ensuing argument. Apart from our frontline role in educating the general populace on the dangers associated with COVID-19 and the need to observe critically all the safety measures and protocols most of us have come into direct contact with carriers and Coronavirus patients.”
“Interviewing them as well as doctors who have been treating these patients in all our attempts to bring to our various stakeholders, credible and reliable information on the pandemic. This, we see as a critical duty in line with the constitutional mandate as the fourth estate on the realm. By providing adequate information on the pandemic, thus exposing us to the same risk, our health workers are also exposed to. This being the case, PRINPAG urges the government and corporate institutions, to consider frontline media practitioners in the provision of PPE to enable us to arm ourselves adequately to lend support to other stakeholders in our collective fight against the spread of the virus.”
President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Roland Affail Monney said government should also provide free bus ride for journalists as they are also frontline workers.
He also said media houses should not be left out of the 1 billion stimulus package since most media houses are struggling to pay salaries.
“Media houses should be considered in the stimulus package. Provision of PPE and transport for journalists by way of Aayalolo buses and other means should be given a top most priority. We commend them highly for their frontline role. Ghana will surely win this fight.”
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