{
  "id": 19158666,
  "title": "Speaker Bagbin promises online platform for journalists to access parliamentary information by end of 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/speaker-bagbin-promises-online-platform-for-journalists-to-access",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T13:55:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/speaker-bagbin-promises-online-platform-for-journalists-to-access-parliamentary-information-by-end-of-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has pledged to launch an online platform for journalists to gain direct access to parliamentary information by the end of 2026. This innovation aims to minimize journalists' dependence on formal Right to Information (RTI) requests and streamline the process of obtaining information regarding parliamentary activities without the need for physical visits to the House. Addressing the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra on November 7, 2026, Mr. Bagbin unveiled plans for institutional reforms to enhance information accessibility and bolster the relationship between Parliament and the media. \"You won't need to step foot in Parliament,\" he stated, hinting at a future where journalists can simply click a button to access all necessary information. The reforms encompass modifications to Parliament's communication structures, including the establishment of a Public Affairs Department, a Public Engagement Department, and a Media Relations Department, alongside the Citizens Bureau. These changes are designed to foster a more open and transparent relationship between Parliament and journalists. Recognizing the media as a vital partner in Ghana's democratic governance, Mr. Bagbin emphasized the crucial role journalists play in educating citizens about legislation, following parliamentary debates, and evaluating the performance of elected officials. He encouraged media professionals to deliver fair and informed coverage of parliamentary proceedings and assured them of Parliament's willingness to collaborate. The Speaker also addressed the welfare of journalists, expressing concern over their poor remuneration, job insecurity, inadequate working conditions, and threats to their personal safety. To improve the professional standing of journalists, Mr. Bagbin proposed the development of a Private Member's Bill to establish minimum conditions of service for journalists, in consultation with the GJA and other stakeholders. While acknowledging that legislation alone cannot guarantee journalist safety, he called for collective efforts from law enforcement agencies, political actors, media owners, traditional authorities, and the public to respect journalists' work and protect independent journalism. The 30th GJA Media Awards, held under the theme \"Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,\" celebrated 30 years of recognizing journalistic work and its contributions to Ghana's democratic development.",
  "summary": "The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has promised to introduce an online system to give journalists direct access to parliamentary information by the end of 2026. The initiative, he said, would reduce journalists’ reliance on formal Right to Information (RTI) requests and make it easier for them to obtain information on the activities […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/shura-speaker-swiss-national-council-president-discuss-parliamentary",
        "published": "2026-11-09T05:56:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "President Zardari and PM Shehbaz stress equality and national unity on Iqbal Day",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/president-zardari-and-pm-shehbaz-stress-equality-and-national-unity",
        "published": "2026-11-09T06:52:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}