In order to fulfill the needs of the technological age and preserve the integrity of legislative proceedings, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has urged the Hansard personnel throughout Africa to attempt to improve their knowledge, skills, and competence.
A specialized unit within parliament typically handles the Hansard, a verbatim transcript of parliamentary debates.
Mr. Bagbin cautioned that Parliament’s official records run the risk of being distorted in the digital age, as fake news and sophisticated technology make it simpler to change the statements of leaders. He made this statement Monday, August 11, 2025, at the opening of the 11th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Hansard Editors Association – Africa Region in Accra.
He claimed that if reporting officers lack the necessary tools, edited photos and recordings could distort parliamentary discussions.
“As I speak today, somebody can take my picture as I stand before you, change what I am communicating, and use a different language,” he said.
“With how my mouth is opening and closing, they will match it in such a way that anybody listening will believe this is what the Speaker said at this conference. That is a serious threat.”
Mr. Bagbin emphasized the need to protect legislative language from distortion because it differs from ordinary English.
He urged increased funding for the official reporting division, pointing out that the Hansard needs to continue to be fast, accurate, and pertinent despite online tampering.
“Whatever we do will come to nothing without accurate official records,” he told participants from across the continent, adding that the weakness of democracy in Africa is linked to the weakness of its parliamentary institutions.
Hansard editors from Commonwealth African nations have gathered for a four-day meeting in Accra to talk about innovation, talent development, and the future of official parliamentary reporting.
