Clerk to the Parliament of Ghana, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has admonished journalists who corresponds from the legislature to uphold high professional standards in the discharge of their dutues to safeguard the country’s fledgling democracy.
According to him, responsive reportage, will contribute to strengthening Ghana’s parliamentary democracy whiles bridging the gap between the legislature and the citizenry.
Mr Djietror who made the call during a two day capacity building workshop for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) in Accra urged the need for the press to be seen as more than just a group of reporters but as strategic partners in governance, with the power to shape public opinion and national discourse.
“You are the bridge between Parliament and the people. Your work is not merely to act as a conveyor belt, but as a conduit, interpreting complex debates and making them accessible to ordinary citizens. Your reports shape national conversations. Your headlines draw attention. Your silence or choice of optics impacts public understanding,” he said.
Citing Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom, Mr. Djietror reminded the journalists of the great responsibility that accompanies that freedom.
According to him, freedom of the press is not freedom without responsibility because it demands upholding accuracy, objectivity, transparency, fairness, and demonstration of an understanding of parliamentary procedures to help the public appreciate their importance.
He acknowledged the growing challenges facing journalism, including misinformation, speed-driven reporting, and sensationalism, and emphasized the role of continuous training.
“Workshops like this allow us to pause, reflect, and recommit to the ethics and discipline of parliamentary reporting,” Mr. Djietror noted.
“This is not a one-time event. It is part of a long-term effort to build a press corps that understands the institution, reports with fairness, and helps shape public opinion responsibly.”
The Clerk assured the Press Corps of Parliament’s commitment to supporting their work and investing in improved access to information, enhancing the accreditation process, and encouraging more engagement between media and leadership.
Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps, Simon Agianab, expressed gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and the Clerk, for recognizing the vital role journalists play in promoting Ghana’s democratic governance.
Mr Agianab who described the training as a ‘game-changer,’ said it would enhance the ability of reporters to distill complex legislative issues into accessible content for the Ghanaian public.
“We are here to learn, to grow, and to become better at what we do — translating complex legislative processes into clear, relatable stories that Ghanaians can connect with,” he said.
The workshop is expected to deepen the understanding of the parliamentary correspondents on the lawmaking processes, and foster stronger collaboration between Parliament and the media.
