The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has warned that leadership readiness in the digital age requires more than knowing how to use communication platforms.
Delivering his keynote address at the 2026 National PR Summit at Capital View Hotel, Koforidua, on the theme “Public Relations and Leadership Readiness”, the Speaker said the communication environment has changed significantly, with information now travelling within seconds.
He noted that citizens can now engage public officials directly through social media, and parliamentary proceedings can reach audiences far beyond the walls of Parliament House, offering opportunities to make Parliament even more accessible.
According to him, digital platforms, live streams, explanatory videos and interactive discussions now help citizens to understand parliamentary business and engage more closely with their representatives.
However, he cautioned that these opportunities also come with serious challenges, including false information spreading quickly, statements being taken out of context and edited videos creating misleading impressions of what happened during parliamentary proceedings.
“False information can spread quickly. Statements can be taken out of context, and edited videos can create misleading impressions of what happened during parliamentary proceedings. Leaders and communication professionals must be prepared to respond to these challenges with speed, accuracy and sound judgement,” he stated.
The Speaker urged PR professionals and leaders to embrace new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while remaining alert to the dangers of fabricated content and manipulated information.
He stressed that the goal of communication in the digital era should not simply be to communicate faster, but to communicate better, with verification, responsibility and a commitment to facts.
The summit, which runs from October 22 to 24, has brought together over 300 PR professionals, Fellows of IPR Ghana, academia, students and dignitaries including the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Hajia Shamima Muslim, Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, and the President of IPR Ghana who doubles as President of IPRA, Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah.
By Robert Dela Mawuenyegah, (Member, IPR Ghana) // newswatchgh.com
