30 Years of Ghana’s Parliamentary Democracy: The Role of Parliamentary Press Corps
In the last 30 years, Ghana’s democracy has witnessed notable growth and development since the establishment of the 1992 Constitution that gave birth to the Fourth Republic.
One of the pillars of Ghana’s democracy is the parliament, which is the legislative body responsible for making laws, approving budgets and overseeing the conduct of government officials.
The role of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) has been crucial in shaping the discourse and coverage of parliamentary activities since from the First to the Eighth Parliament under the Fourth Republican Constitution. The press corps is made up of journalists from different media houses who cover parliamentary proceedings, interact with legislators and report on the activities of the parliament.
It currently has a numerical membership of little over 55, both active members and associates .
One of the significant benefits of having a strong parliamentary press corps is that it enhances transparency and accountability in the legislative process. The press corps keeps the public informed about the decisions and actions of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensures that they are accountable to their constituents.
For the past 30 years, the parliamentary press corps has played a crucial role in highlighting and bringing to the public’s attention parliamentary debates, motions and activities that impact the lives of Ghanaians. The press corps has also served as a watchdog over the decision-making of MPs, ensuring that their actions are in line with their constituents’ interests.
In addition, the parliamentary press corps also highlights the role of the opposition parties in Ghana’s democracy. By reporting on the majority and the minority caucus’ deliberations and contributions to debates, the press corps helps elevate the role of the opposition in ensuring checks and balances in governance.
Furthermore, the parliamentary press corps has been instrumental in shaping public opinion by reporting on the different political ideologies and perspectives represented in parliament. Through their reporting, many citizens come to understand and appreciate the complexities of political debates, and the consequences of different policy decisions.
Under the 8th Parliament, which has been described as “A Hung Parliament” where none of the caucus commands the absolute majority, the role of the Parliamentary Press Corps becomes more crucial in promoting democracy.
That means, the Parliamentary press corps should maintain a position of impartiality and objectivity when reporting issues related to the hung Parliament. This will contribute to building public confidence in the media and the democratic process.
Challenges facing the Parliamentary Press Corps
1. Limited access to information: Members of the Parliamentary Press struggle to get accurate, timely and relevant information necessary to carry out their duties as journalists. Some of the committees sitting are not open to the press, thereby making it difficult to easily access relevant news items.
2. Delayed proceedings: Delays in parliamentary proceedings often affect journalists ability to meet up with their editorial deadlines. With an unpredictable schedule, journalists would often end their work day without receiving any content from parliamentary proceedings. Most often, sitting that supposed to commence at 10 o’clock in the forenoon often start at 2 o’clock. A fifteen minutes suspension of sitting, at times run to three hours suspension.
3. Low pay: Most Journalists in the parliamentary press corps receives low compensation from their respective media outlets. This can bring about low motivation and morale, which could constantly affect the quality of reportage.
Possible solutions
1. The Leadership of Parliament together with the Media Relation Directorate should work out modalities for Parliamentary press sit in committee’s meeting. This would improve information access, making it easier to access news items.
2. Media organizations should pay their parliamentary reporters fairly, and provide incentives for them to work long hours and be available when parliamentary proceedings take place.
3. Parliament should continue to organise periodic training workshops for parliamentary press to ensure they stay up-to-date with their professional skills, which will not only improve the quality of reportage but also inspire positive change in parliament.
In conclusion, the parliamentary press corps plays an integral role in Ghana’s democracy by ensuring transparency, accountability, and strengthening the role of the opposition in governance. With 30 years now behind us, it is important to recognize their role in shaping the political discourse and public opinion, and their contribution towards building a strong and vibrant democracy in Ghana.
By: Felix Engsalige Nyaaba
Managing Editor, Express News Ghana and Member of PPC
About Author
