Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has called for the careful but determined adoption of technological innovation to transform parliamentary reporting, insisting that the Hansard remains a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in democratic governance.
Addressing the opening of the 11th Biennial Commonwealth Hansard Editors Association – Africa Region (CHEA–AR) Conference in Accra, Mr. Ayariga emphasised that the integrity of Africa’s democratic processes depends not only on what happens on the floor of Parliament but also on how those proceedings are documented, preserved, and made accessible to the public.
Describing the conference theme — “Charting the Future of Hansard: Embracing Technology and Innovation for Enhanced Parliamentary Reporting” — as both a challenge and an opportunity.
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He urged African legislatures to embrace the digital era with innovation, speed, and accuracy while upholding the professional and ethical standards that give Hansard its authority.
“In today’s fast-changing digital world, we must ask ourselves: How can we work smarter? How can we guarantee accuracy, speed, and broader accessibility while embracing innovation responsibly?” he challenged participants.
The gathering at the Alisa Hotel has brought together delegates from 10 African countries to explore solutions such as AI-assisted transcription, social media integration, and the long-term preservation of official parliamentary records.
Mr. Ayariga praised the often unseen but indispensable role of Hansard officers, acknowledging their dedication and professionalism as critical to the effective functioning of Parliament.
“I salute your commitment to excellence and look forward to the innovations that will emerge from your deliberations,” he said.
The four-day conference is expected to produce collaborative strategies for modernising Hansard operations, advancing Africa’s capacity for transparent, accountable, and tech-savvy parliamentary governance.