Empower the Press Corps, Enhancing Ghana Democracy

The Honorable Alban S.K Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, emphasized the crucial importance of the media in to empower Ghana’s democratic processes at an orientation workshop organized for the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC).

The workshop, which aimed to familiarize journalists with the updated Standing Orders of Parliament, represents a notable advancement in promoting a more open, responsible, and inclusive legislative atmosphere in Ghana.

This workshop is part of a broader initiative aimed at modernizing parliamentary procedures to align with contemporary democratic standards. The revised Orders were adopted by the House on December 21, 2023, and officially came into effect on January 2, 2024.

The comprehensive revision of the Standing Orders, the first in almost twenty-five years since the Fourth Republic’s inception, demonstrates a commitment to advancing parliamentary democracy. The new Orders introduce innovative practices, including reciting the National Pledge, conducting parliamentary business through virtual platforms, and establishing a clear hierarchy within Parliament’s Leadership.

The primary objective of the workshop was to familiarize the Parliamentary Press with the intricacies of the new Orders, following a similar orientation provided to all 275 members of the House. Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban S.K Bagbin, delivered the keynote address at the orientation workshop over the weekend, highlighting the media’s crucial role in empowering Ghana’s evolving democratic process.

He emphasized that the press is a critical partner for members of parliament and the parliamentary community in conducting parliamentary and public affairs, acknowledging the media’s vital role in bridging the gap between the government and its citizens.

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“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,” he said.

Mr. Alban Bagbin recognized the media as an essential tool in effectively representing and reflecting the aspirations of the people. He emphasized that the workshop is a crucial step in promoting a more informed and participatory democracy.

During his opening address, the Clerk to Parliament, Cyril K.O Nsiah, highlighted the need to revise the Standing Orders, which have remained largely unchanged for 23 years.

Mr. Nsiah emphasized the challenges that have prompted this revision, including the need for greater transparency, the limitations of manual procedures, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parliamentary operations.

“It is important for Parliament to refine its processes and procedures in line with legislative trends across the Commonwealth,” Nsiah stated, urging participants to fully engage with the orientation program to bridge the knowledge gap on parliamentary rules and practices.

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Deputy Clerk Gloria S. Kumawu echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing the vital role of the workshop in addressing the communication gap that can lead to confusion and misinformation.

“The media serves as the channel for disseminating information from Parliament to the public,” Kumawu noted, stressing the importance of journalists having a thorough understanding of the new Standing Orders for the sake of good governance and the advancement  and empower democracy in Ghana.

The workshop represents a significant step towards fostering a collaborative relationship between Parliament and the media, ensuring that the media is well-equipped to accurately convey parliamentary proceedings and decisions in light of the revised Standing Orders to the public.

By doing so, this initiative aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of parliamentary processes and strengthen the foundation and empower Ghana democracy.

The implementation of the new Standing Orders marks a significant shift towards utilizing virtual platforms and simplifying procedures, aiming to enhance the accessibility and comprehension of parliamentary proceedings for the public.

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This change signifies a crucial step in Parliament’s continuous endeavor to modernize its legislative processes in response to the digital era and the increasing demand from the public for greater involvement and transparency in governance. Speaker Bagbin lauds the pivotal role of media is to empower Ghana democracy processes