Demand accountability from those in power; stop fighting critics of gov’t – Bagbin to media

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin has called on the media to channel its resources toward holding the government accountable rather than fighting critics of the government.

According to him, focusing attention on critics of those in power limits not only media persons because that is not their role, but also suppresses information critical for the development of the people and the state.

Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected executives of the Parliamentary Press Corps on Monday, April 4, 2022, Mr Bagbin said the role of the press in Parliament which is to build linkages between the conduct of Parliamentary business and the citizenry has become even more critical in the 8th Parliament given the composition of the House.

“The work we do has become so technical and is something new that many people don’t understand. It is part of your bounding duty to break this down into a language that people can understand,” he said.

He also indicated that the media can positively steer and alter how government and its institutions operate and effectively hold political leaders accountable for carrying out their mandate to the people.

“Holding our leaders accountable is the role of the media, which parliament shares in. Ultimately, and in keeping with the maxim “the people’s power is greater than the people in power,” the media’s role as the voice and mouthpiece for the voiceless is a critical one that, in partnership with the legislature, can help in ensuring that those elected govern with the hopes and aspirations of the citizens in mind.”

“In the hung parliament that we have today, Ghanaians have demonstrated their interest to invest in the sustenance of Ghana’s democracy and the strengthening of the rule of law,” he added.