Govt urged to expedite action on passage of Right to Information Bill

Accra, Sept. 28, GNA - The leadership of Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), on Monday reiterated its call on Government to expedite action on the passage of the Right to Information Bill into law. It said such a law would contribute significantly to the consolidation of Ghana's democracy by providing effective institutional mechanism for informed citizenry, public accountability, the fight against corruption and promotion of freedom of expression. This was contained in a statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary General of GTUC, on the occasion of Right to Information Day that fell on September 28.

It said good governance required that people took part in national decision-making apart from participating in elections. The statement said "effective participation in decision-making processes demands the availability of relevant information to all stakeholders at all times without any let or hindrance."

It called on government to make public its road-map for the passage of the Bill in accordance with its declared commitment towards transparency in government and to enhance Ghana's democratic practice. The GTUC pledged its continued participation and support for the Ghana Right to Information Coalition and urged all stakeholders to re-dedicate themselves to the campaign for the passage of the Bill. "The right of access to information is an important human right which is necessary for the enjoyment of other human rights," it said. 28 Sept. 09