Parliament and the Press needs Stronger Collaboration to Boost Public Trust –MP for Afadjato South

The Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, Hon. Frank Afriyie, has called for stronger collaboration between lawmakers and the Parliamentary Press Corps to enhance public trust and improve the image of Ghana’s Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, at a two-day capacity-building workshop for parliamentary correspondents in Accra, Hon. Afriyie emphasized the vital role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.

“There cannot be a better team than the one enhancing the image of Parliament through the towering role of the media. The media, especially the Parliamentary Press Corps, is the mirror upon which the political ecosystem of Parliament is anchored. The day that mirror drops, Parliament fails to exist,” he stated.

He lauded the consistent efforts of parliamentary reporters in keeping citizens informed about legislative processes, noting that their work helps demystify Parliament and foster greater civic engagement.

Sharing a personal anecdote, Hon. Afriyie recounted how media coverage changed the perception of one of his constituents: “My people once said, ‘MP, very soon you too will be in a Land Cruiser.’ But on the day we passed the Gold Board Bill, someone called me at 3 a.m. and said, ‘Now I believe you deserve the 4×4.’ That is the power of media coverage.”

The Afadjato South MP also acknowledged the impact of journalistic scrutiny on his own development as a public servant and called on his fellow MPs to adopt more respectful attitudes toward journalists.

“We treat you sometimes so indecently. I think that occasions like this allow us to shape our behaviour and draw us closer. We promise to do that,” he admitted candidly.

He proposed the organization of future training workshops that bring together both MPs and journalists to help build mutual understanding and improve lawmakers’ communication and public engagement skills.

Hon. Afriyie also advocated for greater logistical and institutional support for the Press Corps, including better access to parliamentary proceedings and resources. He urged journalists to focus more on legislative work and policy issues rather than political theatrics.

“We in the Majority are concerned with the core business of government. When our colleagues come with attempts to profile their alternatives, please give them very little time and reserve the rest for us,” he added humorously.

Pledging the support of the Majority Caucus, Hon. Afriyie affirmed the commitment of Parliament to working closely with the media in building a well-informed and engaged citizenry.

“We hope to see ourselves better refreshed, well-informed, and well-positioned to enhance the image of the institution you and I have,” he concluded.

The workshop, organized by Parliament’s Media Relations Department, aimed to deepen journalists’ understanding of legislative procedures and promote closer collaboration between Parliament and the media.

Source : Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com