The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has officially sworn in a seven-member executive team of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to serve a three-year term.
The newly elected executives are:
Simon Agianab – Dean
Stephen Odoi-Larbi – Vice Dean
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso – General Secretary
Ibrahim Alhassan – Organizing Secretary
Francis Ekow Annan – Deputy Secretary
Deborah Dzivenu – Treasurer
Emmanuel Kwaku Ansah – Ex-officio Member
During the swearing-in ceremony, the Speaker underscored the critical role of the media in disseminating parliamentary information to the public. He likened their work to that of Members of Parliament, who advocate for their constituents’ interests.
“It is not for nothing that you have been elected as executives to lead the way forward and chart the course of this group. You cannot be a leader and not have followers; likewise, you cannot be an irrepressible follower and expect to be a revered leader one day,” he stated.
Strengthening Parliamentary Reporting
The newly appointed Dean of the PPC, Simon Agianab, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his unwavering support of the Corps. He highlighted concerns about the high turnover of journalists covering parliamentary affairs, stressing that it impacts both the PPC and Parliament itself.
“This is why capacity-building initiatives are timely and essential. Journalists in Parliament serve as the primary conduit of information to the public and must always be equipped to provide accurate reports,” he noted.
He assured members that the new leadership would work diligently to uphold professional standards and ensure the Corps remains a reliable source of parliamentary news.
Upholding Journalism Ethics
Deputy Director of the Media Relations Department, Dr. Lawrence Kwarteng-Ashia, emphasized the importance of journalistic ethics in parliamentary reporting. He pointed out that Ghana’s Constitution dedicates an entire chapter to press freedom, reinforcing both the rights and responsibilities of journalists.
He urged the PPC to maintain high standards in their reporting to preserve the integrity and reputation of Parliament.
The call for responsible journalism was further echoed by the MP for Ahafo Ano North, Hon. Eric Nana Agyeman Prempeh, and the MP for Bunkpurugu, Hon. Abed-nego Bandin. They encouraged the press corps to discharge their duties without fear or favor, ensuring accurate and balanced reporting on parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Press Corps are doing wonderful work
SURE