Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has acknowledged the vital role the media play in enhancing Ghana’s democratic governance, particularly with the country’s parliamentary processes.
Giving the keynote address during a training workshop organized by Parliament for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) at Aqua Safari, Big Ada in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Bagbin urged the media to be worthy partners in entrenching Ghana’s democracy.
The training programme was to acquaint journalists with details of the revised Standing Orders of Parliament, which were adopted by Parliament on December 21, 2023, and became effective from January 2, 2024.
The revised Orders mark a significant step towards fostering a more transparent, accountable, and participatory legislative environment in Ghana.
Speaker Bagbin underscored the symbiotic relationship between the Parliament, the media, and the wider community.
“For members of parliament together with the parliamentary community, the press is a critical partner in transacting parliamentary business, which is the business of the people,” he added.
The Speaker reiterated the media’s essential role in bridging the gap between the government and its citizens.
“There is a yawning gap between the representatives and the people, and that gap can only be linked and closed by a very important group of people or a very important institution referred to as media, both traditional and new media,” Mr. Bagbin articulated, further acknowledging the media’s indispensable role in reflecting the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
Revised Standing Orders
The revised Standing Orders represent a comprehensive update to the legislative framework in use for almost twenty-four years under the Fourth Republic.
The new Orders introduce modern practices such as the recital of the National Pledge, conducting parliamentary business through virtual platforms, and a clarified hierarchy of Parliament’s Leadership, all aimed at aligning with the evolving trends in parliamentary democracy.
“So time and practice have exposed gaps and usages in the old Standing Orders, which were detected as far back as 2001,” Speaker added and underscored the critical nature of adapting to new processes and procedures.
Purpose of workshop
The workshop served not only to familiarize the journalists with the provisions of the new Orders but also to arm them with the knowledge necessary for accurately conveying information to the public.
The initiative stressed the importance of the collaborative effort between Parliament and the media in promoting good governance and enhancing democracy in Ghana.
By closing the communication gap and ensuring that journalists are well-versed in parliamentary processes, the initiative is poised to pave the way for a legislative process that is more accessible and engaging for the Ghanaian people.
The therefore workshop represents a cornerstone in the efforts to enhance good governance and democracy, ensuring that the media continues to play its critical role in the democratic process effectively.
