The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has challenged members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to recommit to the highest standards of ethical, factual, and responsible journalism to strengthen Ghana’s democracy and bridge the gap between Parliament and the public.
He stressed that the PPC must be seen as more than a group of reporters but strategic partners in governance, with the power to shape public opinion and national discourse.
“You are the bridge between Parliament and the people. Your work is not merely to act as a conveyor belt, but as a conduit, interpreting complex debates and making them accessible to ordinary citizens. Your reports shape national conversations. Your headlines draw attention. Your silence or choice of optics impacts public understanding,” he said.
Mr. Djietror made the call at opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for parliamentary correspondents, organized by Parliament’s Media Relations Directorate.
The workshop brought members of the PPC together to sharpen skills, deepen understanding of legislative processes, and foster stronger collaboration between Parliament and the media.
Citing Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom, Mr. Djietror reminded the journalists of the great responsibility that accompanies that freedom.
According to him, freedom of the press is not freedom without responsibility because it demands upholding accuracy, objectivity, transparency, fairness, and demonstration of an understanding of parliamentary procedures to help the public appreciate their importance.
He acknowledged the growing challenges facing journalism, including misinformation, speed-driven reporting, and sensationalism, and emphasized the role of continuous training.
“Workshops like this allow us to pause, reflect, and recommit to the ethics and discipline of parliamentary reporting,” Mr. Djietror noted.
“This is not a one-time event. It is part of a long-term effort to build a press corps that understands the institution, reports with fairness, and helps shape public opinion responsibly.”
The Clerk assured the Press Corps of Parliament’s commitment to supporting their work and investing in improved access to information, enhancing the accreditation process, and encouraging more engagement between media and leadership.
Dean of PPC
The Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps, Simon Agianab, in his speech, expressed appreciation to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and the Clerk, for recognising the vital role journalists play in the parliamentary space and for approving the workshop in record time.
Describing the workshop as a ‘game-changer,’ the Dean admitted the training would enhance the ability of reporters to distill complex legislative issues into accessible content for the Ghanaian public.
“We are here to learn, to grow, and to become better at what we do, translating complex legislative processes into clear, relatable stories that Ghanaians can connect with,” he said.
Mr Agianab noted that the workshop’s content, including sessions on ethics, best practices, and lessons from other jurisdictions, would boost the credibility and professionalism of parliamentary reporters.
He urged the Clerk of Parliament to revisit a request made during our swearing-in that Parliament should consider providing a modest monthly stipend to facilitate the work they do in the august House.
Mr. Agianab encouraged all participants to make the most of the workshop and to carry forward its lessons into their daily work.
