By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Jan. 30, GNA- Parliament has commended the media for their professionalism in covering its Appointments Committee public hearings to vet the nominees of President John Dramani Mahama.
However, due to distractions caused by their frequent movement on the floor, Parliament has issued some directives to regulate their mode of coverage during the Committee’s sessions, to ensure the smooth running of proceedings.
Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee made the announcement on Thursday, during his opening remarks at the Committee’s public hearing.
“We urge all to take note and comply with these directives to enable us to minimise movement on the floor during the hearings,” he said.
Mr Ahiafor also announced other directives to include limited movements.
He explained that there was the need to restrict movement, especially behind the Chairman and nominee to minimise distractions.
He said on camera placement positioning; cameras were not beyond the first part of the table after the seat of the nominee to capture proceedings without interrupting seating arrangements or blocking members’ views.
“There is also a restriction of mobile phone users from moving beyond the cameras to prevent disruptions,” the Chairman stated.
He noted that it was required of media personnel who were not members of the Parliamentary Press Corps or accredited for coverage to obtain express permission from the Media Relations Department to access the proceedings.
He said by complying with these directives, Parliament aimed to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted vetting process for the President’s nominees.
GNA