Pressure mounts on Parliament to pass RTI Bill

Although President Akuffo Addo has indicated that the Right to Information Bill will be passed before Parliament rises on Friday, this is not likely to happen.

Available information to Radio Ghana indicates the Bill is not in the current "line up" for the week.

Meanwhile, Acting Public Affairs Director of Parliament, Kate Addo has been explaining to Radio Ghana why the Right to Information Bill "may" or "may not" be passed before Parliament rises on Friday.

She said, current discussions on the RTI Bill are all conjectures. What citizens need to do, is to be patient because both the Executive and Legislature are committed to the passage of the Bill when it is laid before the House.

A member of the RTI Action Campaign Group, Samson Lardi Ayenini has expressed disappointment at the delay in the passage of the Bill. He disagrees with the Speaker of Parliament's claim that the Bill has some loopholes.

He said the Bill, defines how information can be accessed from public and private institutions which do business with State Agencies.

Speaking to Radio Ghana's Felix Cofie, Mr. Ayenini said the President's statement on the eve of the Independence Anniversary that he is going to add meaning to Ghana's freedom by getting the Bill passed, has put his integrity on the line.

Mr. Ayenini said the Bill is not only to empower the media, but ensure transparency and check corruption. He believes the Bill can be laid before Parliament before it goes on recess on Friday.

In a related development, Vice President Bawumia has hinted that Parliament will soon begin discussions and pass the Bill into law.

He said Cabinet has also approved the draft adding that the RTI is critical in the anti -corruption campaign stressing government's commitment to the fight against corruption.

The Vice President said, that is the only way to give investors the confidence and peace of mind to make Ghana the preferred choice for business.