Parliament has explaining to do - Bagbin tells PR professionals

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged public relations (PR) professionals to help bridge the communication gap between democratic institutions and citizens, stressing that effective communication is essential to building public trust in leadership.

Speaking at the 2026 Annual National PR Summit in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, under the theme “Public Relations and Leadership Readiness,” Mr Bagbin said leadership must go beyond the exercise of authority to include the ability to connect with people and explain the purpose and impact of institutional decisions.

He argued that citizens must understand not only what public institutions do but also why their work matters, noting that effective public relations can help leaders communicate clearly, manage their reputations and build meaningful relationships with the public.

According to the Speaker, parliamentary business can sometimes be complex, making the role of PR practitioners crucial in translating legislative processes into information that ordinary Ghanaians can easily understand.

He called on communication professionals to take a more active role in explaining Parliament’s work to the public, improving citizens’ understanding of parliamentary processes and strengthening confidence in democratic institutions.

Mr Bagbin’s remarks underscored the need for public institutions to communicate beyond official announcements and technical explanations, ensuring that citizens can understand the decisions, processes and responsibilities that affect their lives.

He maintained that effective public relations should support leadership by bringing institutions closer to the people they serve, fostering transparency, accountability, and stronger public engagement.

The summit, held around the theme of PR and leadership readiness, provided a platform to consider how communication professionals can contribute to leadership effectiveness and the relationship between institutions and the public.

EA