Speaker urges journalists to be circumspect in parliamentary reports

Accra (Greater Accra), 13 Jan. '99 -

Mr Justice Daniel Francis Annan, Speaker of

Parliament, today urged the media to be circumspect in their reportage of

proceedings of parliament since biased reporting could jeopardise the country's

democracy.

''The media should be guided more closely by the rules and practices of

Parliament, that is, the dos and don'ts of proper parliamentary practice.

''In this way, the media, hopefully, could offer a more constructive

criticism of events in Parliament thereby enabling the public

to form their own independent opinion on such issues free from the unwarranted

influence of personal or partisan bias,'' he said.

Mr Justice Annan said this in an address at the Sixth Public Forum of

Parliament under the theme ''Parliament at the threshold of the 21st Century''.

The forum which attracted a large number of people had among its audience

Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, First lady and president of the 31st December

Women's Movement.

Also present were ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of

donor organisations, NGOs, ministries and departments and students.

It was aimed, among others, at bringing Parliament to the doorstep of

the people and afford them the opportunity to interact with Members of the House

and give them the chance to seek clarification on events in Parliament.

Mr Justice Annan said as far as the affairs of Parliament are concerned,

the parliamentary press corps has generally played the vital and effective role

expected of them.

However, the role of the press corps in promoting understanding between the

public and Parliament through objective reporting could suffer a serious set

back if comments and analysis of proceedings are not grounded on fair and

balanced presentations of facts and issues.

The Speaker said in any democratic country, the media provide the means by

which most citizens are informed about activities of Parliament.

"Through the media, political leadership carries to the people issues and

views which have been intensely debated. Press editorials have played and

continue to play a very vital role in shaping opinion on national issues.

''It is in recognition of the critical role the media plays in the

democratic process that the constitution of Ghana guarantees freedom of

expression, particularly press freedom,'' Mr Justice Annan added.