Chief Information Officer of Parliament, Dr Kate Addo, has warned that misinformation in parliamentary reporting could undermine public trust in both Parliament and the media.
She explained that parliamentary reporting is not merely about disseminating information but also educating citizens about how Parliament functions and their rights and obligations under the law.
Speaking at a workshop for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) in Accra on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Dr Addo said technology has created new opportunities for journalists but also increased the risk of misleading the public.
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She urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, context and respect for facts, particularly as social media and modern information technologies accelerate the dissemination of information.
“New tools increase your power to inform. They also increase the risk of confusion,” she said.
She cautioned the Press Corps against prioritising attractive visuals and digital content over factual accuracy, stressing that professional ethics must guide every stage of news production.
“Let us uphold the ethics of our journalistic training that emphasise good reporting, accuracy, fairness, context, and respect for the facts,” she stated.
“When you debate proceedings, people or figures, let the facts lead and let technology serve them,” She added.
Dr Kate Addo warned that misinformation could spread through social media faster than corrections, damaging the credibility of both Parliament and the press.
“A misquoted member, a misread figure, or an image taken out of context can mislead the public and damage trust, not only in Parliament but in the media itself,” she cautioned.
She urged journalists to verify information whenever they were uncertain and consult parliamentary records and official sources before publication.
Concluding her remarks, Dr Kate Addo emphasised the importance of responsible journalism to democratic governance.
“A well-informed press makes for a well-informed public. And a well-informed public makes for a stronger democracy,” she said.
She commended the Media Relations Department for organising the workshop and thanked the Clerk for supporting efforts to strengthen parliamentary information services and media relations.
She commended members of the Parliamentary Press Corps for their dedication, noting that their work has helped bring Parliament closer to the public since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in January 1993.
Dr Addo Kate pledged to support parliamentary journalists through reliable public affairs services, proper records management, quality publishing, and secure information technology systems.
“My ultimate goal is that accurate information about the work of Parliament should reach the public in a form that is timely, accessible, and easy to follow,” she said.
Dr Kate Addo noted that effective parliamentary reporting requires a deeper understanding of legislative procedures, including the introduction of bills, committee consideration, debates, passage and presidential assent.
She urged journalists to familiarise themselves with Parliament’s Standing Orders and committee proceedings, which often shape legislation but receive limited media attention.
The Chief Information Officer sympathised with the press corps for the operational difficulties confronting them, including inadequate equipment for live reporting and monitoring, limited workspace and challenges associated with covering proceedings that extend late into the night.
“As Head of the Division and a member of the Management Board, I continue to bring these issues to the attention of the Clerk and my colleagues with the hope of eradicating them,” she said.