Parliament lauds media for fair reporting of parliamentary proceedings

Frank Afriyie, the NDC Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, has commended journalists reporting on the activities of Ghana’s parliament for unbiased and fair reporting of parliamentary proceedings over the years.

He urged the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to continue projecting the work of the Legislative arm of government to deepen Ghana’s democratic processes.

He cautioned that if any unpleasant incidents happen in Parliament, the media must be absolved from any blame.

“If there is anything wrong in Parliament, it is not the media, it is not the Clerk, it is not the Speaker, it is not the parliamentary staff, but it is often due to partisan indiscretion on the side of members of Parliament,” Mr Afriyie said.

He made the remarks during a two-day capacity-building workshop for the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra, over the weekend.

Mr Afriyie, who represented the Majority Caucus in Parliament, however, urged the media to highlight more on the government’s business on the floor of Parliament, instead of what he called the “showmanship and theatrics of the Minority Caucus in Parliament.”

He explained that the Majority Caucus in Parliament led by its Leader, Mahama Ayariga, understood the rationale of the government’s policies and legislative instruments and, therefore, should be contacted to explain issues regarding government business on the floor of Parliament.

On his part, Mr Sammi Awuku, the NPP Member of Parliament for Akuapim South, who represented the Minority Caucus in Parliament, commended the media for often scrutinising parliamentary work, and helping to shape public perceptions on the work of Parliament.

Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, said the media played an indispensable role in informing the public about the work of Parliament.

He, therefore, expressed Parliament’s commitment to empowering members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) through training to deepen their knowledge and understanding on Parliamentary processes to enhance transparency and accountability.

“The media serves as the conduit between the public and what happens at the Chamber of Parliament, therefore, your work matters in strengthening and consolidating Ghana’s democratic processes, ” he emphasised.

The Clerk to Parliament, therefore, underscored the need for the media to exercise due diligence in their work by reporting accurately and objectively on parliamentary business to enable the public to make informed decisions.

The workshop, held on the theme: “Enhancing the Image of Parliament through the Towering Role of the Media”, provided a platform for the PPC to reflect and re-assess their work towards improving national conversations and policy interventions by the government.

Some of the topics discussed included the Evolution and Functions of Parliament, Standards and Ethics in Parliament, a Guide to Parliamentary Reporting and Rules Governing Parliamentary Business and Operations that the Media need to Know.

Mr Simon Agianab, the Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps, lauded the Media Relations Department of the Parliamentary Service, for facilitating efforts towards the organisation of the event, and pledged the PPC’s commitment towards ensuring free, fair and transparent reporting on parliamentary work.

GNA

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