In a strategic move to elevate public understanding of legislative processes and foster balanced reporting, the Media Relations Department of Parliament has conducted a specialized two-day training workshop for the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC).
Organized under the theme “Enhancing the Image of Parliament through the Media – The Expectations of the Majority and Minority,” the seminar served as an interactive platform for journalists covering the House to engage directly with parliamentary leadership and sharpen their understanding of the legislature’s intricate workings.
Delivering the welcoming remarks on behalf of the department, the Director, Mr David Sebastian Damoah underscored the crucial role journalists play as the main conduit between the lawmaking body and the public.
He pointed out that because the vast majority of citizens rely on media broadcasts, prints, and digital posts rather than attending sessions in person or studying the official Order Paper, media accuracy remains paramount in shaping public perception of the legislature.
Mr. Damoah highlighted that the Media Relations Department was deliberately set up to bridge the gap between the House and the press.
By streamlining information delivery, facilitating access to key proceedings, and responding to press inquiries, the department aims to create an open environment that supports journalists in executing their watchdog responsibilities while maintaining high journalistic standards.
Addressing procedural accuracy, the Director explained that one primary goal of the two-day engagement was to equip reporters with a deeper grasp of parliamentary formalities, such as distinguishing clearly between the various stages of legislation—including the reading of a bill versus its final passage—to avoid spreading misinformation.
He added that reinforcing core tenets of balance, fairness, and responsibility is especially critical today given the rapid spread of unverified content across social media channels.
The workshop also offered the press corps an opportunity to hear directly from both Majority and Minority leadership regarding caucus expectations and collaborative parliamentary communication.
Mr. Damoah extended appreciation to the Clerk to Parliament for supporting the initiative and agreeing to act as a resource person on parliamentary committee operations, while praising the PPC executive body and departmental staff for their coordination.
The initiative marks a continued effort by Parliament to nurture a professional, well-informed press corps capable of delivering transparent and objective coverage to the nation.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
