Gov’t committed to Right to Information

Government is committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the Right To Information Act as it promotes transparency, accountability and probity which remain core to its Reset Ghana agenda, President John Dramani Mahama has said.

He said the agenda of his government for the sustainable development of the country and improvement in the lives of the people calls for an open and inclusive governance which brings all citizens along and this could only be possible through the free flow of information amongst and betwixt the governed and governors across board.

The disclosures were contained in an address delivered on behalf of the President by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine at the Stakeholder’s Conference held in Accra over the weekend as part of activities to mark the 5^th Anniversary of the Right To Information Commission.

The President assured the Commission of the Government’s continued support for its effective operations and activities.

On his part, Mr. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the Minister of State for Government Communications said the RTI Commission symbolizes the democratic credentials of Ghana and bears testimony to the freedom of expression and free speech for all citizens irrespective of position, religion, tribe or sex.

He commended the Commission of what it has been able to achieve in its five years of existence and urged them to include environmental information in their sensitization drive to deepen the people’s knowledge about the dangers of illegal mining.

In her welcome address, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey, the Executive Secretary of the Right To Information Commission (RTIC) disclosed that the Commission has drafted a Legislative Instrument (LI) which would enhance, smoothen and strengthen the implementation of Act 989 passed by Parliament in 2019. She said the LI is ready to be laid before the Parliament of Ghana in the coming days for consideration and approval.

The Commission, despite what she described as “teething challenges” has placed Ghana on high pedestals on the international space as regards the implementation of the Right To Information which was testified by being given the opportunity to host the UN International Day of Access to Information in Ghana last year in spite of its relatively young period of existence.

Activities marking the 5^th anniversary of the Commission was on the theme ‘Championing Transparency and Accountability through Access to Environmental Information in a Digital Era’.

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