In a significant move towards fostering peaceful elections and addressing legislative challenges, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, recently engaged with the Northern Region Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Tamale.
This interaction formed a crucial part of the activities leading up to a seminal lecture organized by the Office of the Speaker, aimed at celebrating 30 years of Ghana’s Parliament and democracy. During the engagement, Speaker Bagbin assured journalists of Parliament’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Emphasizing that the ultimate power lies with the people, he reiterated the importance of adhering to the constitution in the transition of power.
“Those who make utterances that they won’t hand over power will have no choice but to do so because the Constitution says so, and the power is with the people,” he stated, highlighting the constitutional safeguards that protect Ghana’s democratic processes.
The Speaker’s remarks come at a time when the country is gearing up for the December elections, a period often characterized by heightened political activity and rhetoric.
By addressing journalists directly, Speaker Bagbin underscored the crucial role that the media plays in shaping public perception and ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent and peaceful.
Media and Ethical Journalism
The engagement also featured contributions from key figures in the media and security sectors.
Prof. Kwesi Aning, a security consultant and former Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs & Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, cautioned political stakeholders to be mindful of their language during campaigns.
Prof. Kwesi Aning warned against incitement and reckless statements that could inflame tensions as the elections draw closer.
In a related discussion, Abdul Hayi Moomen, a seasoned journalist formerly with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), raised concerns about media ethics, particularly in the age of new media.
He called for the licensing of journalists as a measure to address ethical lapses, suggesting that the proliferation of unregulated media platforms poses a significant challenge to journalistic integrity.
Speaker Bagbin acknowledged these concerns, recognizing the challenges posed by the rapid growth of new media. While he agreed on the need for regulations to ensure that only qualified journalists practice, he also emphasized the importance of balancing freedom of expression with professional standards.
His remarks pointed to a broader conversation about the evolving role of media in Ghana’s democracy and the need for a framework that ensures accountability without stifling free speech.
Kofi Bentil, another notable contributor to the discussion, highlighted the complexities of regulating new media.
According to Kofi Bentil, “The expansive nature of digital platforms makes it difficult to restrict access to a select few.” However, he stressed the importance of continuous training for journalists to equip them with the skills and technologies needed to navigate the modern media landscape.
Kofi Bentil’s comments underscored the media’s critical role in society, emphasizing that it must be protected and supported to maintain its influence and credibility.
The dialogue between the Speaker and the Northern Region GJA also touched on broader legislative challenges, particularly the hurdles in passing the Affirmative Action Act.
Speaker Bagbin explained the rigorous legislative process involved in passing controversial bills, including scrutiny by various stakeholders, engagement with the public, and budgetary considerations.
Speaker Bagbin noted that while the process can be slow and complex, it is designed to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered, especially on contentious issues.
The discussion in Tamale highlighted Parliament’s commitment to transparency and the crucial role of the media in sustaining democratic principles.
As Speaker Bagbin and other stakeholders continued to engage with various sectors of society, the focus remains on ensuring that Ghana’s democratic processes are protected and that the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully and fairly.
This engagement not only reinforced the importance of collaboration between Parliament and the media but also emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the challenges facing Ghana’s democracy as the nation moves forward.
The 30-year milestone is not just a time for celebration but also for introspection and recommitment to the principles that have guided Ghana’s democratic journey.
