Journalists who report from the Parliament of Ghana under the name Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) has congratulated the newly elected Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, the Rt Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
A statement issued on Friday, January 8, and signed by the Dean of the Corps, Nana Agyemang Birinkorang, described the former lawmaker for Nadowli-Kaleo constituency as a man full of experience who can handle the august House at this trying time of the nation’s young democracy.
According to the statement, before his assumption of the office of Speaker, Rt Hon Bagbin has demonstrated his zeal to support the media, especially those in parliament to enhance their professional skills.
“The Rt. Hon Speaker, ASK Bagbin, over the years practically demonstrated his personal commitment towards this goal by supporting journalists and members of the Parliamentary Press Corps to build their capacity,” the PPC statement partly read.
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Full Statement
Parliamentary Press Corps Congratulates Rt. Hon ASK Bagbin
The Parliamentary Press Corps Congratulates Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on his election as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana.
We acknowledge with great admiration the invaluable contributions of Mr Bagbin towards deepening Ghana’s Parliamentary Democracy since the advent of the 4th Republican Consultation in 1992.
Mr Bagbin who entered Parliament at the youthful age of 35 believes the Legislative arm of Government is the fulcrum of multiparty democracy hence should be guided jealously and worked assiduously to that effect.
The former Member for Nadowli – Kaleo also believes the media has a critical role in consolidating the gains hence advocated for media freedom and supported capacity building for journalists to enhance Ghana’s fledgling democracy.
The Rt. Hon Speaker ASK Bagbin over the years practically demonstrated his personal commitment towards this goal by supporting journalists and members of the Parliamentary Press Corps to build their capacity.
He always avails himself as a resource person and has positively impacted parliamentary reporters with his vast experience and knowledge in order to deepen Ghana’s multiparty democracy.
Mr Bagbin believes a well-exposed Parliamentary Reporter is better positioned to educate the masses on Ghana’s democratic journey hence he single-handedly sponsored selected members of the Press Corps to visit, learn and share best practices with their counterparts in the Parliament of Tanzania called ‘Bonge’.
The celebrated lawmaker contributed immensely towards the passage of several legislation including the Right To Information Act to enhance the work of the media in Ghana.
It is our fervent hope that the Rt Hon Speaker will bring his over 28 years of knowledge and experience to bear on his new role as Speaker to further strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
We also congratulate Hon Joseph Osei-Owusu on his re-election to serve as First Deputy Speaker of the 8th Parliament, Hon Andrews Amoako Asiamah on his historic election as Second Deputy Speaker of the House, and all Members of Parliament for the 8th Parliament.
The Corps also Congratulates the immediate past Speaker of the House, Prof Aaron Michael Oquaye for his invaluable service to mother Ghana.
We are particularly grateful to him for supporting the Education Fund of the Corps and bequeathing us with office space to enhance our work and wish him well in his retirement.
The Parliamentary Press Corps assured of its readiness to support every good effort of our friend and current Speaker for the ultimate good of our country.
We members of the Press Corps congratulates
and salutes you on your ascendency to the Speakership, the number three topmost position of the Republic of Ghana.
Congratulates Rt Hon. ASK Bagbin.
Signed
Nana Agyeman Birikorang
Dean, Parliamentary Press Corps, Ghana.