Be cautious with Right to Information Bill-Minister

Kumasi, Aug. 3, GNA - Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, has appealed to the public to be circumspect about issues they would want to be incorporated into the Right to Information Bill. He said that would 93prevent the opening of the floodgates for the invasion of the privacy of government officials and other individuals."

He said the outcome of the bill must enhance the democratic process without jeopardizing the national interest.

Dr Agyemang-Mensah made the call at a public forum organized by the Joint Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Communication to seek the views of people in the region on the bill, currently before the House.

The Minister said the importance of the right to information and the desire to ensure that there was transparency in government, constituted the foundation for empowering the citizenry to contribute to good governance and development.

It is only when those who are to participate in governance are well informed that they could contribute meaningfully to the governance process. Dr Agyemang-Mensah commended members of the Committee for the nationwide consultation with stakeholders and said it demonstrated the commitment to involve the people on important national issues and make sure that the bill reflected the views and aspirations of all Ghanaians.

Mr Cletus Avoka, the Majority Leader, said its passage into law would significantly help to deepen the country's democracy. He said the active participation of members of the Committee, who are from both sides of the House and organization of the regional forums were indicative of the non partisan approach to the preparation and final passage of the law.

This would undoubtedly make the law to stand the test of time. Mr Twumasi Appiah, Chairman of the Committee, said the law would promote accountability and transparency in governance, reduce corruption and ensure availability of data and information for the benefit of the public.

Contributors at the forum raised concerns about the payment of fees before information could be accessed and the discretionary powers given to information officers, which they said could be abused. They appealed for the removal of the fees to make it free and curtailment of the discretionary powers of people who are to give information.