Media Practitioner and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Lawyer Tanko Musah has explained that the implementation of the Right To Information (RTI) Law will help to build and shapen the capacity of Ghana’s media.

He expounded that the media’s right to information from any public institution will lead to open government and promote accountability to enrich Ghana’s democratic systems disclosing that there is no need to give reasons when applying for information except when in urgent circumstances.

“If one need any information from any public institution, you can apply for it without any reason. It is their mandate to grant any information requested. People must wait for 14 working days when requested,” he said.

A media forum took place in the capital of the Ashanti Region, Kumasi on Thursday, November 21, 2019 on the RTI Bill passed by Ghana’s parliament into Law. It was first drafted in 1999, reviewed in 2003, 2005 and 2007 but was only presented to Parliament in 2010.

The Bill is meant to put in effect, Article 21 (1) (f) of the 1992 constitution of the republic of Ghana, which states “All persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society.”

It will provide for the operationalization of the constitutional right to information held by public and some private institutions, subject to exemptions that are necessary and consistent with the protection of public interest in a democratic society.

RTI also seeks to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs and to provide for related matters.

The objectives of the discussion was to increase knowledge and understanding among journalist and to educate them on their rights and obligations and how to utilize the law effectively.

According to Lawyer Musah, another forum will be held tomorrow, November 22, 2019 to define the role of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE’s) in the RTI principles in order to make it effective and meaningful.

READ ALSO:

66,357 teachers recruited since 2017 in Ghana

“They are the public institutions that holds the information therefore per the obligations of the law, informations requested are not to be withheld for any reasons. Their capacity needs to be built to know their obligations under the law in terms of what they have to and not to when someone applies for information,” he said.

He encouraged that conferences and road shows should be organized to educate the public to create awareness on the RTI Law.

“The exercise should go beyond the Media and the MMDCE’s. Road shows and public forums could also be prearranged to educate the public. The more people understand, the more it helps our democratic system of government”, he ended.

Media men from different radio and television network communicated satisfaction on the Law.