On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin addressed the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra. He urged journalists to maintain their watchdog role and hold public officials accountable rather than align with those in power.
Speaking to a packed audience that included President John Dramani Mahama, Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie, Bagbin reminded the media that democracy thrives only when public institutions are scrutinised and citizens have access to information. “Power is a monster that must be properly managed,” he said, stressing the importance of an independent press in ensuring accountability in public administration.
Quoting American investigative journalist Amy Goodman, the Speaker warned that the media’s job is not to cozy up to power but to act as a check and balance on government. He called on journalists to be “watchdogs and not lapdogs,” insisting that their responsibility to hold officials accountable should not be compromised by political or commercial interests.
Bagbin praised Ghanaian reporters for exposing corruption, human rights abuses and institutional misconduct through investigative, undercover and data‑driven work. He highlighted investigations into illegal mining, known as galamsey, and abuses within educational institutions that had prompted policy corrections and strengthened administrative accountability.
However, he cautioned against using the media’s power to spread misinformation or destroy reputations with falsehoods. “The freedom to criticise must never be confused with the licence to destroy reputations through falsehood,” he said. He also warned against hate speech and unverified online commentary that could fuel ethnic tensions and deepen divisions.
Bagbin urged the media to prioritise verified information, factual reporting and constructive dialogue to promote national cohesion. He highlighted the need to improve journalists’ working conditions, noting that many face poor remuneration, job insecurity, intimidation and threats to personal safety. Parliament is ready to work with the GJA and other stakeholders to explore legislative and policy interventions that strengthen the professional environment for journalism in Ghana.
The awards ceremony celebrated excellence in journalism and promoted professionalism, ethical standards and media freedom across the country.
