Use Right to Information law to hold duty bearers accountable - MFWA - MyJoyOnline.com
Ghana has strengthened its open data landscape by empowering citizens through the Right to Information Law. With 478 public institutions establishing dedicated information units, the state facilitates greater transparency. This legal framework shifts the dynamic from begging for access to demanding fundamental rights, thereby promoting an open government ethos. However, journalists seeking accountability face significant physical and digital threats from officials fearing scrutiny. This hostility highlights the critical need for robust protection mechanisms for those exposing sensitive information. The training emphasizes that safety measures must accompany the exercise of these new informational freedoms to prevent intimidation. Ultimately, this development is vital for open data as it legitimizes citizen-led scrutiny of public records. By equipping communities with legal tools to hold duty bearers accountable, the initiative fosters a culture of transparency. It ensures that information availability translates into genuine democratic participation and reduced impunity.
Source: myjoyonline.comPublished on 2023-05-28