Hon. Afriyie Frank, Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, has admitted that scrutiny from the media has been instrumental in shaping his conduct as a legislator and has called for a renewed and collaborative relationship between Members of Parliament and the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC).
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, at a two-day capacity-building workshop for parliamentary correspondents in Accra, Hon. Frank emphasized the indispensable role of the media in fostering legislative accountability and influencing public perception.
“The media, in this case the Parliamentary Press Corps, is the mirror upon which the political ecosystem of Parliament is anchored. The day that the mirror drops, Parliament fails to exist,” he declared.
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He described the Parliamentary Press Corps as a vital bridge between Parliament and the citizenry, adding that their work helps demystify parliamentary operations and amplify MPs’ contributions to national development.
“There cannot be a better team than the one that has been chosen, which is enhancing the image of Parliament through the towering role of the media,” he said.
Recounting a personal anecdote, the Afadjato South MP illustrated how media coverage can shift public attitudes. “My constituents once said, ‘MP, very soon you too will be in a Land Cruiser.’ But on the day we passed the Gold Board Bill, one of them called me at 3 a.m. saying, ‘Now I believe you deserve the 4×4.’ That is the power of media coverage,” he stated with humour.
Hon. Frank also acknowledged the occasionally strained relations between MPs and journalists, describing some past behaviors as indecent and pledged a change. “Occasions like this allow us to shape our behavior and draw us closer. We promise to do that,” he assured.
He proposed joint workshops for MPs and journalists to foster mutual understanding, improve communication, and strengthen public engagement.
The Afadjato South legislator further advocated for logistical support and improved access for the press corps and encouraged reporters to concentrate more on the substance of Parliament’s work—such as legislation and policy oversight—rather than focusing only on political drama.
“We in the Majority are concerned with the core business of government. When our friends come with attempts to profile their alternatives, please give them very little time and reserve the rest for us,” he added with a smile.
Pledging the Majority Caucus’s continuous support for the PPC, Hon. Frank underscored the need for mutual respect and sustained collaboration.
“We hope to see ourselves better refreshed, well-informed, and well-positioned to enhance the image of the institution you and I have,” he stated.
The workshop, organized by Parliament’s Media Relations Department, aimed to strengthen the capacity of parliamentary correspondents and deepen media understanding of legislative processes while promoting openness, transparency, and public trust in Parliament.