ICIR tasks journalists on utilizing FOI Act
ICIR tasks journalists on utilizing FOI Act
Journalists are urgently encouraged to adopt the Freedom of Information Act as a primary investigative tool to enhance reportage and ensure transparent governance. By proactively requesting information from public bodies, the media can help curb corruption and abuse of power, while simultaneously empowering citizens with the data needed to make informed decisions. This shift transforms the FOI Act from a theoretical right into a practical mechanism for accountability, requiring the media to lead enforcement efforts rather than relying solely on civil society organizations. However, significant implementation challenges persist, including cumbersome bureaucratic processes and insufficient response times that hinder effective access to information. Legal exemptions, while intended to protect specific public interests, often complicate the disclosure of records, creating barriers to full transparency. Addressing these structural deficiencies requires government support in developing standardized templates and revising procedural timelines to make compliance more manageable for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The article highlights that many agencies lack the necessary structures or competency to comply, often facing no consequences for non-disclosure. To resolve this, there is a critical need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for non-compliance and recognition for proactive transparency. This context is highly relevant to open data, as it underscores that legal frameworks alone are insufficient without active institutional commitment, standardized data formats, and robust accountability measures to truly unlock public information.
Source: quicknews-africa.netPublished on 2025-10-05