Investigative journalist Edward Adeti has criticised the poor welfare conditions facing journalists in Ghana, describing media practitioners as “signposts” who help society find direction while remaining neglected themselves.
Speaking on A1 Radio as part of activities marking World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Chief Editor of Media Without Borders said journalists continue to champion the rights and welfare of others while ignoring their own struggles.
“Journalists are happy when society benefits, but many journalists themselves are not living well,” he said.
Adeti argued that although Ghana has made significant progress in global press freedom rankings, the economic realities confronting journalists remain dire.
According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, Ghana ranked 39th globally and fourth in Africa, improving from 60th position in 2020.
While describing the ranking as encouraging, Adeti questioned whether the recognition had translated into better working conditions for journalists.
“Freedom should not only mean freedom from attacks. Journalists must also be protected from economic hardship,” he stressed.
He said many journalists work under poor conditions, with some receiving low salaries while others go months without pay.
“There are journalists who are underpaid, and there are many who are not paid at all,” he stated.
Adeti called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to prioritise the welfare of media practitioners through sustained engagement with media house owners across the country.
“The GJA should go beyond issuing statements when journalists are attacked. Welfare issues must become a serious national conversation,” he said.
He suggested that the association embark on nationwide engagements with both public and private media organisations to address salaries, working conditions and job security.
The investigative journalist also urged journalists themselves to become more intentional about advocating for their own well-being.
“We put society’s luggage on our heads and drag our own on the ground,” he remarked.
Drawing a metaphor, Adeti described journalists as signposts that guide society in the right direction but remain fixed in difficult conditions without making progress themselves.
“We stand in the sun and rain pointing people where to go, but we ourselves are not moving,” he said.
He further called for introspection within the media industry and stronger solidarity among journalists, noting that professional divisions often weaken collective efforts to demand better treatment.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated globally each year to recognise the importance of press freedom and highlight challenges confronting journalists.
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