Accra- Media owners in Africa, particularly , have been urged to begin ‘human capital Investment, rather than investment with million dollars in media operations and equipments’.

Speaking in the Ghanaian Capital Accra, where he is currently attending AFRICAN JOURNALISTS LEADERS’ CONFERENCE, the President of the Press Union of Liberia, Charles B Coffey Jr, indicated that the working condition of Journalists in Africa remains challenging, especially abuse of labour rights and the lack of adequate incentives and other remuneration by working Journalists and media workers.

Mr. Coffey revealed that the current trend of worsening labour conditions of Journalist in Africa, including Liberia, is highly contributing to low quality performance,and low standards prescribed for members of the fourth estate.

Making a presentation on topic: “Working Conditions of Journalists, A campaign against labour rights abuses and low pay”, Mr. Charles Coffey, said the declining membership into the Nobel profession remains worrisome, and calls on media owners, including the Press Union of Liberia, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and its affiliates to robustly transform the low paste of the Media landscape in Africa in comparison to other Journalists across the world.

“We as media owners, leaders of this noble profession, must ensure sustainability.”
“We must begin building stronger Unions to enhance Journalisim and Media Freedom.”

“Importantly, as we organized the Federation Of African Journalists of the International Federation of Journalists, let’s be reminded that the working conditions of Journalists in Africa is appalling and needs urgent attention. Most Journalists in Africa have no job security, no better incentives and other remuneration to address their needs. Everyone has the right to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination and violence. Employers need to be aware of their responsibilities to ensure that work place culture is not sexually or racially hostile.”

“Decent working environment is one way to strengthen democracy and reduce inequality and lay the foundation for high quality Journalism and high level of professional Journalism. Media owners must invest in the personnel and not only invest millions of dollars in operations and equipment. ” PUL President Charles Coffey declared.

Speaking further, Mr. Coffey outlined contributing factors to labour rights abuses such as the ‘lack of access to the right of bargaining collectively’.

He stated trhat ‘Access to collective bargaining is one of the biggest challenge to addressing labour rights abuses for workers across the spectrum.
“Article 4 of ILO convention. 98 of the convention stipulates that measures appropriate to national conditions shall be taken where necessary, to encourage and promote the full development of machinery, for voluntary negotiation between employers ‘ organisations and workers’ organisations with a view to the regulation of terms and condition of employment by means of collective bargaining agreements.”
” Journalists must be paid well to deliver. Journalism is a dynamic profession. Journalists are watch dogs of society and government. The proliferation and convergence of media lead to diminishing the status of Journalists in different countries. Unfavourable working conditions of Journalists has the propensity to influence media content. In many African countries Journalists are not given full freedom and face job Security. No health benefits, no monthly allowance and leave.” PUL president Charles Coffey averred.