ICIR tasks journalists on utilizing FOI Act

Journalists are urged to actively use the Freedom of Information Act as a critical investigative tool to enhance reportage and promote transparent governance. By requesting information from public entities, media professionals can significantly reduce corruption and abuse of power, ensuring that citizens have the necessary data for informed decision-making. This shift requires journalists to lead enforcement efforts alongside civil society organizations rather than delegating responsibility solely to non-governmental groups. However, implementation faces significant hurdles, including cumbersome bureaucratic processes and inadequate response times from government agencies. The current framework includes specific exemptions that protect certain records, which, while intended for the collective good, often complicate access. The lack of standardized templates and consistent compliance structures further deter effective utilization, highlighting the need for the Ministry of Justice to support agencies in developing efficient response mechanisms to facilitate timely disclosure. The article is highly relevant to open data because it underscores the gap between legal frameworks and practical accessibility. It emphasizes that without robust accountability measures, such as sanctions for non-compliance and recognition for proactive disclosure, the potential of open data to foster good governance remains unrealized. Strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring consequences for hoarding information are essential steps to transforming open data laws into tangible public benefits.

Source: quicknews-africa.net
Published on 2025-12-02

ICIR tasks journalists on utilizing FOI Act

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