CSOs propose the constitution of a coalition for implementation

In order to facilitate the implementation of the recently adopted Right to Information Act (RTI) in Ghana, the RTI coalition proposed the creation of an implementation coalition composed of actors state and non-state.

According to CSOs, the implementation of the RTI law can not be left to state actors alone. He is of the opinion that it should be conducted jointly with some non-state actors such as civil society organizations.

The Right to Information Act seeks to implement Article 21 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to access public information in order to strengthen democratic governance in the country, subject to exemptions necessary to protect the national interest.

Speaking during the dialogue program of civil society organizations organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in order to solicit the contribution of the civil society organization to the implementation of the law on the Access to information, attorney Akoto Ampaw, a member of the RTI coalition, said: "the coalition should include NCCE, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Finance. Information, CSOs and the media. "

The prominent lawyer who spoke on behalf of civil society organizations also suggested that the implementing coalition be commissioned to begin work on a brief summary of the law in major Ghanaian languages. .

Prior to its entry into force on March 26, 2019, the RTI Bill was one of the most delayed draft legislation in the history of the Fourth Republican Parliament of Ghana, and has been debated in the corridors of the three different parliaments since its inception. first introduction in the year 2010.

It was introduced for the first time in the fifth legislature in 2010, but very little work was done until its term expired in 2012.

It was then reintroduced into the sixth legislature where it was almost pbaded, but never was until its term also expires in 2016. It was finally pbaded in this seventh legislature .

Even after its adoption in March 2019, Parliament postponed the implementation of the law at the beginning of the 2020 exercise, in January next year, to allow the budget to finance its activities for a year. effective implementation of the law.