Accra, Nov. 21, GNA - Mr Cletus Avoka, Majority Leader at the weekend, said effective collaboration between the three arms of government and the media would result in an open and transparent governance that inures to the benefit of the people.

He said an independent and vibrant media that strive to put the public interest first could help the society to accomplish much over time. Mr Avoka made this known when he inaugurated the West African Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra, which is aimed at broadening the horizons of members in the changing ways and trends in parliamentary reporting in sub- region.

He said the role of the association cannot be down played, adding that a healthy media work enhances the enrichment of education, information and facilitation of community involvement in debates relating to the business of parliament.

Mr Avoka urged members of the press corps, to study the constitution of member countries, their standing orders, parliamentary practice and proceedings. He noted that the watchdog role of the media is very crucial since they provide citizens with information necessary to fuel the operations of the democratic structures in the sub-region. Mr Ransford Tetteh, President of the Ghana Journalist Association said it is the duty of the media to promote good governance by reporting in a way that would not destroy the country's fledgling democracy. Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament said media practitioners should not undermine national unity, cohesion and development. Mr Cosma Ekunobi, who led the Nigerian Press Corps for the ceremony said his country has two parliamentary press corps for the Senate and the House of Representative.

Mr Andrew Edwin Arthur, Dean of the Ghana Parliamentary Press Corps said the media is expected to play a watchdog role over the three arms of government. He said the association would ensure that members hold governments accountable for their actions. Mr Arthur however asked members to be circumspective in their operations and exhibit strict professionalism devoid of arrogance. 21 Nov. 10