Draft Legislative Instrument On RTI Ready – Oppong Nkrumah | - Ghanamma.com
The article highlights Ghana’s strategic initiative to enhance transparency through the implementation of the Right to Information Commission’s five-year plan. Central to this effort is the drafting of a Legislative Instrument that will legally support the RTI law, signaling a commitment to institutionalizing open governance. This regulatory framework aims to solidify the commission’s role as a quasi-judicial body, ensuring that information requests are handled efficiently and that non-compliance is sanctioned, thereby strengthening the rule of law regarding public access to data. A significant development is the move toward digital accessibility, including the rollout of an online records management system and the expansion of regional offices. These upgrades are designed to lower barriers for citizens seeking information, allowing them to apply and receive responses electronically. By extending the commission’s physical presence and modernizing its infrastructure, the government aims to make transparency a tangible reality across all regions, fostering a culture where open data is the norm rather than the exception. This article is highly relevant to open data because it illustrates the critical interplay between legal frameworks, technological infrastructure, and active civic engagement. It underscores that true open data availability requires more than just policy; it demands robust regulatory support, accessible digital tools, and sustained partnership with development entities. The emphasis on building a society where information is a fundamental right demonstrates how structured, accessible data systems empower citizens and hold institutions accountable.
Source: ghanamma.comPublished on 2023-07-26