National Conference on Right to Information slated for June 20

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is organizing a National Stakeholders’ Conference on the Right to Information (RTI) in Accra.

The Conference scheduled for June 20, will highlight the Ghana RTI Coalition’s proposed amendments and seek the support of government, political parties, civil society organizations as well as the general public, for the adoption of the proposals by Parliament.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director and Mrs Ugonna Ukaigwe, Programme Officer; Media Law Reform and Legal Defence, both of the MFWA.

Article 21(1) (f) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana guarantees every person the right to information as a fundamental human right, subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society.

However, Ghana is yet to put in place the legal framework that will enable citizens to fully enjoy this fundamental right by passing an access to information law.

The statement said "Even though a bill is currently before Parliament, concerns have been raised by the Ghana RTI Coalition on the quality of the bill vis-a-vis international best practices on RTI legislation."

"The Coalition subsequently prepared a draft on the RTI bill and made proposals for improving the content of the bill to the Joint Committee of Parliament. In March, 2012, the Joint Committee held a review meeting and concluded that the recommendations by the Coalition needed to be looked at so as to improve the bill. Parliament is yet to conclude on the Coalition’s proposals."

The MFWA is a regional independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to defend and promote the rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.

It is a member of the Ghana Right to Information Coalition.**