The Parliamentary Service of Ghana has outlined comprehensive guidelines for media coverage of key parliamentary events marking the transition from the 8th to the 9th Parliament.
These events include the delivery of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the dissolution of the 8th Parliament, and the inauguration of the 9th Parliament.
In a statement signed by Camillo Pwamang, Deputy Coordinator of the Dissolution/Inauguration Committee, the service underscored the importance of media compliance with the guidelines to ensure smooth coverage of the historic events.
“In accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will present to Parliament, a Message on the State of the Nation, prior to the dissolution of the 8th Parliament, on Friday, 3 January, 2025 at 10.00 am prompt.”
The statement further noted that the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic will be dissolved on Monday, 6 January 2025, while the 9th Parliament will reconvene on the same day at 11:00 a.m. for the election of the Speaker and two Deputy Speakers.
The Speaker-elect and members-elect per the statement will be sworn in at midnight. To ensure a secure and organized media presence, the following guidelines have been issued:
Firstly, media personnel were urged to obtain accreditation from Parliament and prominently display their tags throughout the events.
Again, all personnel and equipment will undergo screening in line with Parliament’s security protocols while the foyer on the ground floor of the Chamber Block has been allocated for interviews and live broadcasts.
According to the statement, space will be allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
“Media Houses intending to broadcast live from Parliament are to set up by the evening of Thursday, 2nd January 2025, for the Message on the State of the Nation Address and by the evening of Sunday, 5th January 2025 for the Inauguration of the 9 Parliament.”
Moreover, the statement noted that electronic media personnel can obtain clean feeds from Parliament for seamless broadcast. It emphasized that the public gallery is reserved for invited guests adding that media activities in such space will be restricted to maintain decorum.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the media in fostering accountability, the Parliamentary Service expressed its gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with journalists.
The service urged adherence to these guidelines to ensure the success of the upcoming events and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the media in the 9th Parliament.
The guidelines, designed to streamline media operations and maintain security during high-profile events, reflect Parliament’s resolve to uphold order and transparency as Ghana transitions to a new legislative session.
Accredited media personnel were encouraged to contact the Parliamentary Service for further inquiries and assistance.