Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril K.O Nsiah, has underscored the indispensable role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability within the parliamentary framework.
Speaking at a weekend orientation for the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) on the revised Standing Orders, Nsiah stressed how the dissemination of accurate information by the media serves as a linchpin for the democratic scrutiny of Parliament and its members.
“The work of Parliament in Ghana’s governance architecture could only be well understood and appreciated by the citizenry through relevant information about the mandate, procedures, and the conduct of business of the house,” Mr. Nsiah stated.
He elaborated on how the media’s coverage of parliamentary proceedings plays a vital role in knitting the fabric of the country’s democracy by informing the citizenry, thus enabling them to actively participate in governance.
The orientation ceremony was held to equip members of the PPC with the necessary knowledge of the revised Standing Orders to ensure accurate reportage.
The Clerk said, “Not only on the proceedings and other activities of Parliament but also the intricate practices and procedures that underpin certain decisions, motions, or resolutions of the House.”
This initiative, he said, reflects Parliament’s commitment to enhancing its oversight functions and improving the accountability of public officials, addressing challenges such as the need for greater transparency and the limitations imposed by manual procedures, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
Mr. Nsiah stated, “It is prudent that Parliament refined the processes and procedures per legislative trends across the Commonwealth,” and urged participants to fully engage with the orientation program to close the knowledge gap on parliamentary rules and practices.
Deputy Clerk Gloria S. Kumawu echoed Mr. Cyril Nsiah’s sentiments, emphasizing the workshop’s role in mitigating potential communication gaps that could lead to confusion and misinformation.
“The Media is the channel for disseminating the information from Parliament to the populace,” Kumawu remarked, stressing the significance of journalists’ comprehensive understanding of the new Standing Orders for the advancement of good governance and democracy in Ghana.
The adoption of the revised Standing Orders by a Resolution of Parliament on December 21, 2023, which took effect on January 2, 2024, introduces several modern practices and procedures.
These include the recital of the National Pledge, the facilitation of parliamentary business through virtual platforms, and a clear delineation of the hierarchy of the Leadership of Parliament, all designed to align with evolving trends in parliamentary democracy.
The overhaul of the Orders, after nearly twenty-four years under the Fourth Republic, signifies a pivotal step in modernizing Ghana’s legislative framework.
