The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has emphasized that Parliament is the legislative arm of government that serves as the voice of the Ghanaian people.
Speaker Bagbin made this remark during a courtesy call by a six-member delegation from the University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC), led by the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Prof. Christiana Hammond. The delegation presented a proposal to introduce courses in Effective Political Communication tailored for Members of Parliament (MPs).
In his address, the Speaker stated:
“Parliament is the voice of the people, particularly in jurisdictions that focus on that voice, including the Commonwealth.”
He acknowledged the crucial role political communication plays in Parliament’s work, noting that significant efforts have been made to train newly elected MPs in this area.
Parliamentary Reforms to Enhance Communication
Speaker Bagbin also highlighted recent reforms in Parliament, particularly in its communication strategy. As part of a strategic plan, the Public Affairs Department has been restructured into three departments:
- Media Relations Department
- Public Engagement Department
- Parliamentary Broadcasting Department
These reforms aim to improve communication, foster robust citizen engagement, and ensure greater transparency in parliamentary activities.
Collaboration with UniMAC
The delegation from UniMAC proposed a partnership with the Parliamentary Training Institute to offer diploma and degree programs in Effective Political Communication. This collaboration seeks to enhance MPs’ communication skills, enabling them to engage more effectively with citizens and represent their constituencies better.
Speaker Bagbin welcomed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of equipping MPs with the skills needed to navigate the evolving demands of political communication.
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