Pass right to information bill – GCRN

Representatives of five community radio stations of the Ghana Community Radio Network (GCRN) are calling for an urgent passage of the Right to Information (RTI) bill in the country into law.

According to the group, the constitutional right to information points out provisions to existing laws that promotes access to information such as section 16 of the Local Government Act 462.

This was contained in a statement signed by representatives of all five community radio stations of the GCRN namely; Radio Breezy of Ajumako-Bisease, Central region, Radio Gurune of Bolgatanga, Upper East region, Radio Progress of Wa, Upper Westg region, Radio FM of Wenchi, Brong Ahafo region and Radio Simli of Dalun, Northern region

According to the release, the decision was made after the group participated in a two-weeks internship training on the right to access information from 4th-15th of August, 2014 organized by the Africa office of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI).

It noted that “efforts to have an effective RTI Bill into law to facilitate the constitutional right to information should not be seen as the preserve of the elite in society but rather a collective effort from the general public.”

The group also noted that even though this move comes with enormous benefits, it is surprising to know that leaders have refused to expedite action on the Bill to meet international standards and best practices.

“The delay in amending and passing into law, a Bill that has the potential to transform the everyday lives of ordinary people is a betrayal of public trust in the institution of parliament and a failure of parliament to secure the interest of constituents” the statement said.

In view of this, the group has therefore called on the leaders of the country especially parliamentarians to have the Bill amended and enacted into law immediately.