Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, has underscored the indispensable role of the media in informing the public about the work of Parliament.
He gave assurance that the House is committed to developing the capacity of journalists covering its activities.
He has, therefore, expressed Parliament’s commitment to empowering members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) through training to deepen their knowledge and understanding of 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,” Mr. Djietror made these remarks during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra, at the weekend.
The Clerk to Parliament 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. Frank Afriyie, the NDC Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, who represented the Majority Caucus in Parliament, lauded the Parliamentary Press Corps for being unbiased and objective in their reportage in parliamentary discourse, over the years.
“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 the partisan indiscretion on the side of members of Parliament,” the legislator emphasised.
Mr. Afriyie, however, urged the PPC to highlight more on the government’s business on the floor of Parliament, instead of the showmanship and theatrics of the Minority side of the House.
“The Majority side of the House understands the rationale of the government’s policies and legislative instruments and, therefore, can explain them better to the public,” he added.
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. 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.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
