News:
Hon Habib Iddrisu
February 20, 2022
Second Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu has said the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government fought for media freedom and cannot turn its back to destroy what it fought for as a government and Majority in Parliament.
“We all know who fought for free press in Ghana we cannot fight for something and come to destroy it, government is not in that position the majority is not in that position”.
He made this known on Friday, February 18, 2022 when Parliament officially handed over a media center to members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) and the Deputy Minority Leader Dr. James Klutse Avedzi condemn the current state of arrest of journalists in the country.
According to him responsible reportage is very necessary and he would encourage members of the PPC that the new office that is given to them,! they should use it to get informed, know about every member of parliament and what the person stands for.
For example Dr. James Klutse Avedzi who is a fifth timer has been a chair of the finance committee for eight years what did he say and what was his position on topical issues when he was chair of the finance committee, what is his position now as chair of the Public Account Committee?
“If we are able to merge that we would be able to get MPs to be responsible and be very effective, when you go to other jurisdiction an MP can say something ten years later and would still stand by, that position and not shift because the media would bring it up. In our case, our media needs to do a lot of work hanzard is available you should be able to know what is going on in the country in this House a lot of things has happen that has not been good the media has reported on many of the things”.
Mr. Iddrisu further noted that he is happy the House has a Speaker who has seen it all in terms of the Parliaments of the 4th Republic from 1993 till date, so on the issue of strengthening the PPC the media center would go a long way.
“I know this is not the only challenge that they encounters with this 8th parliament. a lot needs to be done and that would also open an opportunity for the media to up their game in terms of reporting”. According to him, It is very clear that most of the time journalists that media house send to parliament are either not properly trained in basic parliamentary procedure and find it very difficult in fitting in, and again majority of the media houses associate with political parties.
That is either trying not to report on some issues because of their affiliation or sometimes due to advert that they need from some institutions. They, the MPs are elected by their constituents and they have oversight responsibility over the Executive and judiciary. The question is, “who has oversight over MPs? “Obviously the media as watchdog to the society can play this role very effectively”.
He, however, pointed out that this can only be done, when journalists are well informed and well educated and are ready to work impartially and to bring the necessary report to the attention of the public.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com