[ 2012-05-22 ]

Nana Oye Lithur

Right to Information Coalition descends on Majority Leader
The Right to Information Coalition says it cannot
be true that the coalition has reneged on its
responsibility of assisting Parliament to swiftly
pass the Right to Information bill into law.

The Majority Leader, Cletus Avoka last week blamed
the Coalition for the delay in the passage of the
bill, accusing members of failing to provide
proposals for the review of relevant clauses in
the bill on time.

But members of the Coalition say Mr Avoka’s
comments can only be regrettable.

Convener of the Coalition, Nana Oye Lithur at a
press conference in Accra on Tuesday dismissed the
claims by the Majority Leader, saying the
coalition has at all times provided the needed
technical support for Parliament and cabinet for
the speedy passage of the bill into law.

“The coalition finds it regrettable that the
Majority Leader is blaming this coalition for
Parliament’s delay in passing the bill.

“There is ample evidence to show that the
coalition has consistently provided technical and
other support to Parliament and all relevant
stakeholders throughout the RTI skills legislative
process,” she said.

A member of the Coalition, Akoto Ampaw in
highlighting details of the proposals before
Parliament said the coalition is suggesting the
creation of an Independent Information Coalition
who would regulate the implementation of the Right
to Information law.

He said the commission must have firm and resolute
personalities who cannot be pushed around by any
government.

He also outlined the circumstances under which a
public institution may refuse to make available a
particular information on the request of an
individual.

“All we want is to ensure that all exemptions are
based on a principle. It is not that we are
against exemptions. There are certain information
the disclosure of which will cause damage to the
public interest, public health, national security
and so on.

“But it doesn’t mean that it is every information
the BNI has the disclosure of which will cause
damage to National Security.

“We need an Independent Information Commission and
have suggested a mechanism which will ensure that
those who are appointed to that office are not
people who will be in the pocket of the president
of the day,” he said.

Source - MyjoyOnline

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