The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has sworn in a seven-member executive team of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to steer the affairs of the Corps for the next three years.
The newly elected executives include Simon Agianab as Dean, Stephen Odoi-Larbi as Vice Dean, Kwaku Sakyi-Danso as General Secretary, and Ibrahim Alhassan as Organizing Secretary. Others are Francis Ekow Annan as Deputy Secretary, Deborah Dzivenu as Treasurer, and Emmanuel Kwaku Ansah, who will serve as an ex-officio member.
The Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC), Simon Agianab in a speech at the event, expressed gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament for his support to the Corps, describing him as not only a father in name but also in actions.
Mr Agianab further commended Speaker Bagbin for spearheading the review of Parliament’s Standing Orders to align with global best practices.
He also emphasized the importance of providing journalists with insights into government bills and other legislative instruments to ensure accurate and objective reporting.
“Many bills and instruments before the House originate from the Executive. It is therefore crucial that the press gains adequate insights into these documents to ensure accurate and objective reporting. We kindly appeal to you to use your office to facilitate workshops and training sessions by MDAs on bills and instruments presented to Parliament,” he noted.
Mr Agianab assured the Speaker and Parliament that the PPC remains committed to upholding the values of parliamentary democracy and ensuring accurate reporting on legislative affairs.
“Mr. Speaker, we confidently assure you and all gathered here that the Corps will not disappoint. We will continue to play our role in promoting the growth of parliamentary democracy in Ghana,” he said.
“This is why capacity-building exercises are very opportune and timely. Journalists in Parliament are the first information vehicle to the outside world and thus must always be in the position to give accurate accounts of happenings,” he said.
He assured members of the Corps that the newly sworn-in executive will put in its best to ensure members distinguish themselves creditably.
The swearing-in ceremony saw the Speaker of Parliament reiterating his commitment to fostering strong collaboration between Parliament and the press.
He likened the work of journalists to that of MPs, emphasizing their shared responsibility in championing the concerns of the citizenry.
“It is not for nothing that you have been elected to lead. Leadership requires both vision and the ability to inspire others. You cannot be a leader without followers, just as you cannot be an irrepressible follower and expect to be a revered leader one day,” he noted.
On his part, the Deputy Director of the Media Relations Department of Parliament, Dr. Lawrence Kwarteng-Ashia, also stressed the importance of journalistic ethics in maintaining credibility. He reminded journalists of their constitutional mandate to uphold press freedom while ensuring responsible reporting.
The MP for Ahafo Ano North, Eric Nana Agyeman Prempeh who represented the Minority caucus and the MP for Bunkpurugu, Abed-nego Bandin, who represented the Majority caucus, echoed the Speaker’s call for diligence, urging the Corps to execute their duties fearlessly and fairly.
