Alhassan Yushawu Jahanfo, the programs manager of Zaa Multimedia (Zaa Radio & Zaa TV) and a celebrated media personality in Northern Ghana, has revealed the emotional and financial struggles media practitioners face in the Northern region. During an interview with Teacher Onga on Dagbon FM’s ‘N’Soli,’ Jahanfo disclosed that his career in the media industry has given him countless sleepless nights, largely due to the dire conditions most media professionals endure.
Jahanfo lamented the fact that very few, if any, media practitioners in Northern Ghana retire comfortably. According to him, it is disheartening to reflect on how many of his colleagues end their careers in difficult circumstances. “You can hardly name more than one person who retired from the media industry in the North and is well-off,” Jahanfo said, adding that this harsh reality keeps him awake at night, wondering if this is the fate that awaits all current practitioners or if they will eventually find better opportunities outside the media.
He further emphasized that media professionals in the North are often underpaid, and despite the critical role they play in society, they receive little support or assistance from the public or relevant authorities. Jahanfo expressed concern over the fact that individuals who misuse the airwaves or cause disruptions seem to be better in receiving support from stakeholders than those who dedicate themselves to meaningful, quality journalism. He questioned whether this is the kind of behavior society should promote.
Jahanfo also highlighted the emotional toll the job takes on media practitioners, noting that while they may appear well-dressed and composed in public, they often suffer silently. He shared a personal example, stating that his monthly salary cannot even sustain him for 10 days. “If my salary lasts me 10 days, I still have 20 more days to work before I get paid again,” he said, underscoring the financial strain faced by many in the industry. Watch the snippet below,
As a respected media personality and the morning show host for both Zaa Radio 99.3 FM and Zaa TV Ghana, Jahanfo’s candid revelations have sparked important conversations about the welfare of media practitioners in Northern Ghana and the urgent need for systemic improvements in the industry.
