The Director of the Media Relations Department of Parliament, David Sabastian Damoah, has urged members of the Parliamentary Press Corps to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and responsibility in their coverage of parliamentary proceedings to strengthen public trust in the legislature.
Journalists, he said, play a critical role in connecting Parliament to the people, noting that the quality of their reports shapes public perceptions of the House.
Speaking at a two-day workshop for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Mr Damoah described parliamentary journalists as a vital link between the legislature and citizens who rely on the media to understand parliamentary business.
“You are the bridge between Parliament and the people,” he said.
“Most Ghanaians will never sit in the public gallery, attend a committee hearing, or read the other paper. They know Parliament by what we write, what we broadcast, and what we post.”
Mr Damoah charged journalists to ensure their reports accurately and comprehensively reflect parliamentary proceedings because their work directly influences how citizens understand the institution.
“How accurately and completely you tell the story shapes what the public thinks of the House,” he said.
The Media Relations Director assured that his department remains committed to providing information, facilitating access and responding to journalists’ inquiries to support effective parliamentary reporting.
However, he emphasised that collaboration between the Parliamentary Service and journalists is essential.
“A department like ours cannot do its work without a well-informed and professional press corps. And a press corps cannot do its work well without a department that is open to it,” he said.
Mr Damoah encouraged journalists to raise concerns about access to information, delays in obtaining updates, and the services provided by the department.
He explained that feedback from journalists would help the department identify challenges and improve its services.
The workshop was held under the theme, Enhancing the Image of Parliament through the Media: The Expectations of the Majority and Minority Caucus.
Mr Damoah thanked the Clerk of Parliament for approving the workshop and agreeing to serve as a resource person. He also commended the Parliamentary Press Corps executives and staff of the Media Relations Department for organising the programme.
He expressed hope that the engagement strengthens cooperation between Parliament and journalists while promoting accurate reporting and greater public understanding of the legislature.