Accra, Sept. 29, Ghanadot/GNA- Coalition of the Right to
Information, a group
formed to promote enhanced accountability and
transparency in government on Monday said the
Right of Information bill must take cognizance
of the chieftaincy institution.
"There can be no doubt that the institution
wields considerable political authority and
undertakes functions that impinge on the public
interest of their people".
Mr. Akoto Ampaw, member of the coalition, said
this at a public lecture on the coalition's
concerns on the bill, which is currently at the
cabinet level.
He said it is only fair and proper that, chiefs
be covered by the bill as public organs to
reflect the realities in society.
Mr. Ampaw said the coalition also believed that,
due to the role of private bodies in various
facets of social-economic life, they should be
covered by provisions of the substantive
legislation and not under subsidiary
legislation.
He said, since the right of information is a
fundamental right of citizens, international
best practice required that fee structure and
requirements were simple and reduced to the
barest minimum.
Mr. Ampaw called for an independent and
effective enforcement mechanism whose functions
would be to promote understanding of these
rights and its implications on the general
citizenry.
Ms. Catherine Bain, World Bank representative
said the implementation of the right of
information can be costly and is important that
there was a transition period for the state and
civil society to build its capacity.
She said with the discovery of large quantities
of commercial oil in the country, steps must be
taken to ensure that it was used as a blessing
for all citizens.
GNA
