Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, urged the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to familiarize themselves with the revised Standing Orders and apply them accordingly.
Adopted on December 21, 2023, the new Orders came into effect on January 2, 2024, introducing changes such as reciting the National Pledge, conducting parliamentary business virtually, and clarifying the hierarchy of Parliament’s leadership.
The updated Orders reflect shifts in parliamentary democracy over the past twenty-four years, adapting to the evolving political landscape. Speaker Bagbin highlighted the need to address the representation of Independent MPs and the challenges posed by a hung parliament, drawing on past experiences like that of former MP Hawa Yakubu.
Emphasizing Parliament’s role in serving the people’s interests, Speaker Bagbin stressed the importance of media in bridging the gap between constituents and lawmakers.
During his opening speech, Cyril K.O Nsiah, the Clerk to Parliament, highlighted the necessity of updating the Standing Orders, which had remained unchanged for 23 years. He stressed the challenges prompting this revision, such as the need for transparency, limitations of manual procedures, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parliamentary operations.
Nsiah urged participants to fully engage with the orientation program to bridge the knowledge gap on parliamentary rules. Deputy Clerk Gloria S. Kumawu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the workshop’s role in addressing communication gaps and the media’s vital role in disseminating parliamentary information to the public accurately.
The workshop aims to foster a collaborative relationship between Parliament and the media, ensuring effective communication of parliamentary proceedings and decisions under the revised Standing Orders.
With the Eighth Parliament presenting novel situations and challenges, such as an increased number of committees and heightened transparency demands, both the media and Parliament play crucial roles in advancing democratic principles.
Nsiah emphasized the importance of the orientation programme for journalists to accurately report on parliamentary proceedings and decisions, thereby fostering greater understanding and engagement among citizens.
