The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has reaffirmed government’s commitment to the full implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989).
According to the minister, the government was determined to ensure the effective execution of the RTI Act, considering it as a crucial step towards a more transparent future.
“As we stand on the precipice of a more transparent future, let us consider the insights gleaned from this research as guiding stars. Our commitment to the Right to Information must be unwavering, and our resolve to address challenges resolute.”
The minister disclosed this during a Public Forum on the Implementation of the RTI Act 2019-2023, organised by the ministry in collaboration with Right to Information Commission in Accra yesterday.
Held on the theme: ‘Three years on implementing the RTI Act,’ the forum provided a platform for sharing insights and renewing commitment to the RTI in Ghana.
The forum was attended by policy makers, information services departments, legal practitioners, civil society organisations, media and the public.
The reaffirmation, the minister said followed a comprehensive research initiative commissioned by the Ministry of Information, focusing on the processes leading to the passage and enforcement of the RTI Act.
The research, conducted in 2022, he said examined operational strategies, roles of civil society organisations, and challenges faced during the implementation of the law in Ghana.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah shared key findings, citing resource constraints, institutional culture, and delays in Legislative Instrument passage as challenges hindering robust implementation.
Acknowledging the two-decade evolution of Ghana’s RTI Act, the minister commended the collaborative efforts among policymakers, civil society, and citizens, emphasising the law’s unprecedented framework for transparency.
The Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng, recognised the challenges faced the implementation of the Act and highlighted the encouraging progress, urging a continuous efforts for broader public benefit.
He called for a broader collaboration, structured approaches, and committed leadership, stressing on the significance of immediate Legislative Instrument passage, political will, and active involvement of civil society organisations.
The Director of the Access to Information Division, Dr Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, highlighted the success story of the law, noting its positive impact on public service transparency since its passage in 2019.
“The collective sentiment emphasised a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address challenges and ensure the lasting success of Ghana’s RTI law,” she added.
A Lecturer and Private Legal Practitioner, Zakaria Tanko Musah for his part, urged collaboration, ingrained structures, and committed leadership for the continued success of the RTI law
BY TIMES REPORTER
