The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Ghanaian journalists to remain committed to holding political leaders and public officials accountable while fighting misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
He made the appeal during the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held at The Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Addressing journalists and distinguished guests at the ceremony, Mr. Bagbin described the media as a critical pillar of Ghana’s democracy, emphasising its responsibility to promote transparency, accountability and responsible public discourse.
He urged journalists to remain independent and courageous in their reporting, stressing that the media must serve the public interest rather than become an instrument for protecting those in positions of authority.
Bagbin Praises Investigative Journalism in Ghana
The Speaker described power as “a monster that must be properly managed” and commended Ghanaian journalists for their investigative work on illegal mining (galamsey), corruption, human rights violations and child abuse in schools.
However, he cautioned that the responsibility to inform the public should not be abused through the publication of misleading information or unverified allegations.
According to him, press freedom and the right to criticise public officials must be exercised responsibly without deliberately damaging people’s reputations through false information.
Quoting American journalist Amy Goodman, Bagbin encouraged media practitioners to remain “watchdogs and not lapdogs” by independently scrutinising government activities and demanding accountability from public institutions.
Speaker Warns Against Social Media Misinformation and Hate Speech
Mr. Bagbin also expressed concern about the growing influence of social media and the spread of unverified information in Ghana’s digital space.
He observed that the widespread use of smartphones has made it possible for almost everyone to create and distribute information, increasing the risks associated with anonymous online publications and irresponsible commentary.
The Speaker warned that some individuals were using social media platforms to promote ethnic divisions, fuel political tensions, attack public figures and create hostility among communities.
He described the development as a direct threat to Ghana’s peace, national unity and social stability.
He therefore urged journalists to strengthen their commitment to fact-checking, responsible reporting and the publication of credible information to protect the public from misinformation and hate speech.
Bagbin Assures Journalists of Parliament’s Support
Addressing the relationship between Parliament and the media, the Speaker assured journalists that the legislature remained open to professional media engagement and access to parliamentary information.
He emphasised that Parliament should be regarded as an institution accessible to journalists and encouraged reporters to take advantage of available opportunities to cover its proceedings.
Mr. Bagbin also challenged media practitioners to move beyond sensational political arguments and focus on explaining parliamentary debates, legislative proposals and government policies in ways that ordinary Ghanaians can understand.
He said journalists should help citizens appreciate how laws and public policies affect their daily lives, businesses and communities.
Parliament Ready to Support Bill on Journalists’ Welfare
The Speaker further reaffirmed Parliament’s willingness to collaborate with the Ghana Journalists Association and other relevant stakeholders on a proposed Private Member’s Bill aimed at improving the working conditions of journalists.
He stressed that protecting media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists should not be left to Parliament or the GJA alone.
According to him, law enforcement agencies, political leaders, media organisations, traditional authorities, media owners and members of the public all have important roles to play in protecting journalists and promoting press freedom.
Bagbin Congratulates Winners at 30th GJA Media Awards
Congratulating the nominees and award winners, Mr. Bagbin urged journalists to uphold professional ethics, credibility and integrity in their work.
He encouraged media practitioners to continue defending the truth and preventing a situation where misinformation becomes indistinguishable from verified facts.
The Speaker also praised the Ghana Journalists Association, under the leadership of its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, for sustaining the annual media awards and championing journalists’ safety, welfare and professional development.
The 30th GJA Media Awards attracted several prominent personalities, including President John Dramani Mahama, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who serves as Patron of the Awards, Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The ceremony recognised excellence in Ghanaian journalism while providing an opportunity to discuss the media’s contribution to democracy, national development and responsible public communication.
Source: newsthemegh.com