The Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has sworn in a seven-member executive of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) into office for the next three years.
The new executive members include Simon Agianab (Dean), Stephen Odoi-Larbi (Vice Dean), Kwaku Sakyi-Danso (General Secretary), and Ibrahim Alhassan as the Organizing Secretary.
The rest are Francis Ekow Annan (Deputy Secretary), Deborah Dzivenu (Treasurer) and Emmanuel Kwaku Ansah as an ex-officio member.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Rt. Hon. Speaker reminded the new executives of their crucial roles in disseminating Parliamentary-related information to the public.
According to him, the role of the media in informing and making the concerns of the public known can be compared to the parliamentary business of MPs championing the interests of their constituents.
“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.
In his remarks, the Dean of the PPC, Simon Agianab, expressed his appreciation to the RT. Hon. Speaker for his continued support to members of the Corps.
He observed that the attrition rate among journalists in Parliament is not only affecting the PPC but also to Parliament as an institution in terms of reporting on parliamentary activities.
“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.
Deputy Director of the Media Relations Department Dr. Lawrence Kwarteng-Ashia in his remarks, indicated the ethics of journalism which should be a guide to the work of Journalists, stressing the significance of a whole chapter in the Constitution dedicated to press freedom and the responsibilities that come with it.
He urged members of the Corps to work and generate good stories to maintain the integrity and enhance the image of Ghana’s Parliament.
The MP for Ahafo Ano North, Hon Eric Nana Agyeman Prempeh, and the MP for Bunkpurugu, Hon. Abed-Nego Bandin took turns supporting the call made by the Rt. Speaker discharges their duties diligently without fear or favour.
