Speaker Alban Bagbin Vows Never to Silence Journalists, Championing Press Freedom in Parliament
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has delivered a firm defense of press freedom, declaring that he would rather see journalists rigorously expose public shortcomings than resort to offering blind praise to political leaders and state institutions.
Addressing lawmakers during his commencement speech in Parliament, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that the media must remain bold, fearless, and uncompromising in questioning those in authority. He argued that the press should never be expected to act as a shield or a lapdog for public officials, asserting that robust accountability and constructive criticism even when uncomfortable are fundamental to strengthening democratic governance.
“I would rather have a media that poses uncomfortable questions than one that sings hallelujahs and hossanas to us every time. And I would rather this house be told the naked truth in unpleasant words than have a media that sweeps our dirt under the carpet,” Bagbin stated during his parliamentary address.
The Speaker maintained that the legislature must remain entirely open to public scrutiny, warning against any institutional impulse to view critical reporting as a malicious attack on state apparatuses. He explicitly invoked Article 162 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which explicitly guarantees the freedom and independence of the media while strictly prohibiting state censorship.
Furthermore, Bagbin cautioned against the introduction or passage of any statutory measures that could be weaponized to intimidate media practitioners or suppress their vital watchdog responsibilities. He made an unequivocal personal pledge that as long as he remains Speaker of the House, he will not support any legal framework or policy designed to cow journalists into silence or curtail constitutionally protected liberties.
His remarks have drawn widespread praise from media advocates, civil society organizations, and journalism associations across the country, serving as a timely reminder of the essential role an independent media plays in upholding public transparency, good governance, and institutional accountability.
Source: Thepressradio.com
