Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced plans to introduce an online system, allowing journalists direct access to parliamentary information by the end of 2026. This move aims to reduce reliance on formal Right to Information (RTI) requests and facilitate easier access to parliamentary activities. The initiative was revealed at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra on November 7, 2026.
The proposed online system is part of Parliament's institutional reforms to improve access to information and strengthen engagement with the media. According to Speaker Bagbin, journalists will soon be able to access parliamentary information with just a few clicks, eliminating the need to physically visit Parliament. These reforms also include restructuring Parliament's communication departments to enhance public engagement and information flow.
The reforms involve strengthening the Public Affairs Department and establishing a Public Engagement Department and a Media Relations Department, alongside the Citizens Bureau. These changes aim to make Parliament more accessible to journalists and the general public. Speaker Bagbin emphasized the crucial role of the media in Ghana's democratic governance, helping citizens understand legislation and assess their elected representatives' performance.
Speaker Bagbin described the relationship between Parliament and the media as inseparable, with journalists promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. He commended Ghanaian journalists for their investigative work on corruption, human rights abuses, and child abuse, which has led to policy changes and accountability in public administration. The Speaker urged media practitioners to provide fair and informed coverage of parliamentary proceedings.
The Speaker also expressed concern about the welfare of journalists, citing poor remuneration, job insecurity, and inadequate working conditions. He proposed working with the GJA to develop a Private Member's Bill to establish minimum conditions of service for journalists. This legislation would be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness.
Speaker Bagbin cautioned that legislation alone would not guarantee journalists' safety, calling on law enforcement agencies and the public to respect their work and protect independent journalism. He encouraged journalists to uphold professional standards and guard against misinformation, warning against the spread of falsehoods that could distort public understanding and create divisions in society.
The 30th GJA Media Awards, held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” marked 30 years of recognizing journalistic work and contributions to Ghana's democratic development. Speaker Bagbin assured journalists of Parliament's readiness to engage with them, describing the media as a vital partner in Ghana's democratic governance.
Key points
- Journalists will have online access to parliamentary records by the end of 2026.
- Parliament is undertaking institutional reforms to improve access to information and strengthen engagement with the media.
- The proposed Private Member's Bill aims to establish minimum conditions of service for journalists.
