Mahama Allocates GH¢10 Million to Kick-Start Media Development Fund in 2027 Budget

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a GH¢10 million allocation in the 2027 national budget as seed funding for the Media Development Fund, an initiative aimed at improving journalists’ welfare, professional capacity and investigative reporting.

The President made the announcement at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, reaffirming his government’s commitment to supporting the development of Ghana’s media industry.

The allocation is expected to revive the fund, which President Mahama pledged to reactivate during last year’s GJA Media Awards.

The initiative will focus on several areas, including journalists’ welfare, professional training, investigative journalism, digital literacy and safety training.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama said the GH¢10 million provided in the 2027 budget would serve as the initial financial contribution towards making the fund operational.

“I am pleased to announce that government has allocated in the 2027 budget GH¢10 million of seed money for the Media Fund,” he said.

In addition to the government’s contribution, the President pledged to personally engage corporate institutions to mobilise further resources to strengthen the fund.

He mentioned KGL and the Bank of Ghana among the institutions he intends to approach to support the initiative.

“I shall personally work with the GJA to get several other corporate institutions to contribute to the fund. So KGL, Bank of Ghana, all of you, we are coming to you to contribute to the Media Fund,” he stated.

President Mahama assured journalists that government would continue working with the GJA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the fund delivers practical benefits to media practitioners while protecting the editorial independence of the media.

He also urged experienced journalists, particularly editors, to take a more active role in mentoring young professionals and equipping them with practical newsroom skills.

The President stressed the importance of helping emerging journalists develop the ability to analyse public accounts and use financial information to produce credible and impactful investigative reports.

He noted that practical mentorship from experienced editors could give young journalists valuable skills that would strengthen their reporting throughout their careers.

“A young journalist who can sit with an editor and work through a set of public accounts will carry that skill into every story that follows,” he added.