Media funding must reward professional journalism – Ken Ashigbey

Former Graphic Communications Group boss, Dr Ken Ashigbey, says media funding must reward professional journalism and support outlets that demonstrate responsibility in their work.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he called for a system that distinguishes credible journalism from people merely posing as media practitioners.

His comments followed a proposal by National Media Commission Executive Secretary George Sarpong to create an index to track journalistic work and guide funding decisions.

Ashigbey backed that approach. He said support should reach practitioners whose reporting addresses issues of national importance.

“They have demonstrated that they are dealing with issues that are of concern to our national development.”

The discussion follows President John Mahama's announcement of GH¢10 million in seed funding for the Media Development Fund in the 2027 budget.

It is expected to support journalists’ welfare, professional training, investigative journalism, digital literacy and safety programmes.

Ashigbey said stronger professional standards must accompany efforts to secure sustainable funding.

“So we, this whole issue about self-regulation that then tends to weed out the unprofessional ones. We need to do that, but we also need to put in place the systems that will let media businesses thrive, and it's the reason why you would have people who understand the management of media to be put at the forefront.”

He proposed a small administrative team supported by technology. A board drawn from different areas would oversee its work.

“A very small bureaucracy, two or three people using technology,” he said.

Beyond managing the fund, those overseeing it should attract additional contributions. They must also distribute support transparently to recipients who demonstrate both need and responsibility.

Ashigbey stressed that the fund must remain sustainable. It should form part of a wider effort to strengthen the media industry.

He also raised concerns about television licensing and decisions that limit media houses' reach. He argued these could weaken businesses that need sufficient resources to operate effectively.

Responding to a question about proposed legislation on media workers’ welfare and employment conditions, he cautioned against expecting one intervention to resolve every challenge.

“But definitely, this bill alone is not going to solve the problem of a responsible, sustainable media entity,” he said.

Ashigbey said the industry must retain space for entrepreneurs to build viable commercial media businesses.

Such businesses, he argued, should be able to employ people, pay them well and contribute taxes.