Mahama Allocates GH¢10m to Media Development Fund in 2027 Budget

# Mahama Allocates GH¢10m to Media Development Fund in 2027 Budget

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a GH¢10 million allocation in the 2027 national budget to provide seed funding for the reactivated Media Development Fund, aimed at improving journalists’ welfare and strengthening the media industry in Ghana.

The President made the announcement while addressing the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, where he reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting the development of journalism and creating better conditions for media practitioners.

According to President Mahama, the funding will help address key challenges confronting the media sector, including journalists’ welfare, professional training, investigative reporting, digital literacy and safety.

He explained that the allocation builds on an earlier commitment made at the 29th GJA Media Awards, where he announced plans to reactivate the Media Development Fund to provide structured support for journalists and media institutions.

President Mahama also indicated that government intends to secure additional contributions from the private sector to increase the fund's capacity and ensure it delivers meaningful benefits to media practitioners.

He disclosed that he would personally engage corporate institutions, including KGL and the Bank of Ghana, to encourage them to contribute financially to the initiative.

The President stressed that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of developing a strong and sustainable media industry, urging corporate organisations to recognise the importance of supporting journalism in Ghana.

He assured journalists that his administration would continue working with the GJA and other relevant stakeholders to turn the funding commitment into practical interventions, while ensuring that media independence and editorial freedom remain protected.

Beyond financial support, President Mahama called on senior journalists and experienced editors to invest in mentoring younger professionals, describing practical newsroom experience as essential to building the next generation of journalists.

He encouraged editors to give young reporters opportunities to engage in demanding assignments, particularly those involving the analysis of public accounts and other important national issues.

The President noted that exposing young journalists to such practical work would equip them with the skills and confidence needed to produce credible, in-depth and impactful stories.

The GH¢10 million allocation is expected to provide an initial financial foundation for the Media Development Fund, with further contributions from corporate institutions expected to strengthen its ability to support the journalism profession.

Story by: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah

Popularly Known As: Attractive Mustapha

Email: attractivemustapha@gmail.com

Contact Number 0244259564