Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has declared that he will not support any legislation intended to intimidate journalists or suppress media freedom, insisting that Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to protect the independence of the media.
He said the media must be allowed to hold public officials accountable through fearless reporting and constructive criticism, stressing that he would rather have journalists ask uncomfortable questions than constantly praise political leaders.
Addressing Parliament yesterday, Mr. Bagbin said Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution guaranteed the freedom and independence of the media and prohibited censorship, making it imperative for the legislature to safeguard those constitutional protections.
“As a creation of the same Constitution, which also bears media freedom, this House must never curtail media liberties. I have said it before, and I will repeat it today. While I am Speaker, I will not support any law whose purpose or effect is to cow journalists into silence,” he stated.
His remarks followed his recognition at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, where he received a special award and was inducted into the GJA Hall of Fame.
The Speaker also disclosed that the GJA was seeking Parliament’s support for a private members’ bill to improve the economic welfare, working conditions and remuneration of journalists, as well as strengthen the legal protections available to them.
He pledged Parliament’s cooperation with the association in developing the proposed legislation and called on interested Members of Parliament (MPs) to contribute to the process to ensure its successful passage.
“When the bill is presented to this House, I also expect members to read it carefully, make the needed contributions, and see to its expeditious passage,” he said.
Mr. Bagbin acknowledged that relations between Parliament and the media had not always been cordial, recalling periods when journalists had subjected him to harsh criticism during his time as Minority Leader.
He cited headlines published between 2001 and 2004, including “Bagbin Must Shut Up”, “Bagbin’s Ugly Noises” and “Oh Bagbin”, which he described as some of the unpleasant experiences he had encountered in his relationship with the media.
He also acknowledged complaints by journalists that some MPs and parliamentary officials had slighted, ignored or harassed them in the performance of their professional duties.
However, he said such disagreements should not undermine the relationship between the two institutions, emphasising that a free media was essential to democratic accountability.
The Speaker further expressed concern about the difficult working conditions confronting journalists across the country, particularly their low remuneration, long working hours and exposure to threats and physical attacks.
He noted that some journalists had lost their lives in the line of duty, while others continued to face intimidation for carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He therefore urged MPs to support initiatives that would improve the welfare and safety of media practitioners, particularly young reporters covering Parliament, whom he described as the future editors and publishers of the country.
Mr. Bagbin also endorsed the government’s plan to release GH¢10 million in 2027 as seed money to revive the Media Development Fund.
The initiative, announced by President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to provide support for the development of Ghana’s media landscape.
The Speaker called for additional resources to be mobilised towards strengthening the industry, arguing that the media should not be left to fend for itself while carrying out its constitutional mandate.
He also highlighted measures undertaken by Parliament to improve journalists’ access to its proceedings, including live broadcasts of plenary and committee sittings, improved communication facilities and efforts to provide better internet connectivity at the press office.
He said Parliament was also exploring ways to make it easier for journalists to cover committee proceedings.
Mr. Bagbin attributed Ghana’s improved position in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, where the country ranked 39th out of 180 countries, partly to measures taken to ensure journalists had unfettered access to Parliament.
He urged MPs to remain committed to protecting media freedom, describing journalists as important partners in safeguarding the country’s democracy and promoting national development.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House