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President Akufo-Addo inaugurated the Governing Board of the Right to Information Commission in a ceremony at Jubilee House, home of the nation’s presidency.
The Commission is chaired by Mr. Judge KA Ofori-Atta, a retired High Court judge in good standing, its Executive Secretary being Mr. Yaw Sarpong Boateng, a distinguished attorney, who will be responsible for coordinating the administrative activities of the Commission. .
Other Board members are Ms. Elizabeth Asare (Vice Chair), Ms. Victoria DE Susuawu (Member), Dr. Edith Dankwa ((Member), Nana Kwame Duah (Member), and Mr. David Oppong-Kusi ( Member).
Inauguration of the Commission on Monday 19th In October, President Akufo-Addo noted that the road to implementation of the bill on the right to information, which was first drafted by the Institute of Economic Affairs, began in 1999.
“Having gone through several reviews, and with successive governments without the political will to approve it, on 21S t May 2019, I gave my consent for its promulgation, with the law that came into effect on 2North Dakota January 2020, ”he said.
Since then, the president claimed that the Ministry of Information has been working hard to ensure a smooth implementation of the statute.
“Information officers have been hired, trained and sent to government ministries and departments to deal with the consequences of the law. In support of our efforts, the RTI law requires that a Commission be established to promote and improve access for citizens, ”he added.
The seven-member Board, according to President Akufo-Addo, is mandated to resolve complaints through negotiation, conciliation, mediation, or arbitration; reject a request for access to information, if you consider it frivolous or vexatious; and issue specific instructions on matters relating to confidential information, minors and other circumstances that the Commission deems appropriate, among others.
“As an independent body, created to safeguard the constitutional right to information, its work must be guided, at all times, by respect for the rule of law, adherence to freedom of expression and an unequivocal attachment to justice. They have been identified as persons of truth and integrity, and as persons familiar with the considerations of the law, and I am confident that they will carry out their duties efficiently and effectively, ”said the President.
He continued: “The law also requires that you, as members of the Board, ensure the proper functioning of the Commission. The diversity in the composition of this Board of Directors must have an impact on the decisions of the Commission in the resolution of complaints and other matters that may arise. They are considered men and women of integrity. ”
Congratulating the members of the Committee, he reiterated that “the steps we have taken towards the realization of the Right to Information Law demonstrate, once again, the determination of my administration to adhere to the principles of responsible governance, strengthen democracy and vigorously fight corruption. “
He assured the commitment of the Government Commission to provide the necessary resources for its full operation.
