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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Friday in Accra, inaugurated a seven-member executive of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC), to serve a three-year term.
The newly sworn-in executives comprise Simon Agianab, Dean; Stephen Odoi-Larbi, Vice Dean; Kwaku Sakyi-Danso, General Secretary, and Ibrahim Alhassan, Organising Secretary.
Other members are Francis Ekow Annan, Deputy Secretary, Deborah Dzivenu, Treasurer, and Emmanuel Kwaku Ansah, ex-officio member.
The Speaker underscored the vital role of the media in parliamentary democracy, emphasising that Parliament’s effectiveness depends largely on accurate media reportage.
“Parliament cannot effectively perform its constitutional duties without the media. The press plays a crucial role in educating the public on laws passed by the House, making implementation easier,” Mr Bagbin said.
He assured the PPC of improved working conditions, including unlimited internet access and monthly stipends.
Mr Bagbin urged media houses to retain experienced parliamentary reporters to maintain consistency in reporting.
The Speaker reiterated Parliament’s commitment to remaining the most transparent legislature in Africa, urging the media to support this vision through responsible and accurate journalism.
Dean of the PPC, Simon Agianab, expressed appreciation to the Speaker for his continuous support.
Mr Aginnab commended the Speaker for his commitment to the PPC, and urged him to address key challenges facing the press corps, including the lack of internet connectivity at their office.
“We plead with you to ensure we get stable internet access to enable us work efficiently.
“Parliament must also consider us as part of its structure and involve us in workshops on bills and executive instruments,” he said.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications and Information, Abed Bandim, reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to fostering a strong working relationship with the press corp.
He encouraged members of the PPC to enhance their knowledge in parliamentary affairs to counter misinformation.
“We are in an era where social media drives narratives, some of which are misleading. PPC members must build their capacities to ensure accurate reporting on parliamentary matters,” he advised.
The Deputy Director of Media Relations at Parliament, Dr Lawrence Kwarteng-Ashia, acknowledged the PPC as a key stakeholder and revealed plans to develop a comprehensive media policy.
He called for collaboration in setting professional standards to uphold the credibility of parliamentary reporting.
Parliamentary Press Corps is an association of journalists who sit in the press gallery and report proceedings of Parliament of Ghana to the media. Instituted in the fourth republic, the Parliamentary Press Corps is made up of a seven-member leadership.
