Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has declared that he would rather have journalists expose the shortcomings of public officials than offer praise to political leaders and state institutions.

He said the media must remain bold in questioning those in authority and should not be expected to shield public officials from criticism.

Bagbin made the remarks while delivering his commencement speech in Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, where he stressed the importance of protecting media independence and freedom of expression.

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He argued that constructive criticism, even when uncomfortable, was necessary for strengthening democratic accountability and improving public administration.

“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,” he said.

The Speaker maintained that Parliament must be open to scrutiny and should not view critical reporting as an attack on the institution.

He also invoked Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom and independence of the media and prohibits censorship.

Bagbin warned against attempts to introduce laws that could be used to intimidate journalists or prevent them from carrying out their watchdog responsibilities.

“It is for good reason that Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the media and admonishes against censorship. As a creation of the same Constitution, this House must never curtail media liberties. While I am Speaker, I will not support any law whose purpose or effect is to cow journalists into silence,” he said.

His remarks reinforce calls for stronger protection of press freedom and the media's role in holding public officials accountable.

NA/AM