The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, reiterated the indispensable role of the media in parliamentary affairs during a two-day orientation workshop on the revised Parliamentary Standing Orders for Members of Parliament Press in Ada.
Bagbin underscored the significance of enhancing the media’s capacity for effective reportage, stating that the media serves as a critical partner in transacting parliamentary business. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Parliament, the media, and the wider community, highlighting the media’s role in enhancing Ghana’s democratic credentials.
During the workshop, journalists were familiarized with the revised Standing Orders of Parliament, reflecting a crucial step towards fostering transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. Bagbin emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between representatives and the people, a task he believes can be achieved with the support of the media.
The revised Standing Orders, adopted by Parliament on December 21, 2023, and implemented from January 2, 2024, introduce modern practices such as conducting parliamentary business through virtual platforms and clarifying the hierarchy of Parliament’s Leadership. These updates align with the evolving trends in parliamentary democracy.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the media, Stephen Odoi Larbi, Vice Dean of PPC, thanked the Speaker for the opportunity and emphasized the importance of ongoing capacity-building workshops. He stressed that the success of journalists translates to a better functioning institution of Parliament, urging continued investment in media capacity building.
The workshop highlighted the collaborative efforts needed between Parliament and the media to ensure effective governance and informed citizenry, further strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
