The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has commended the Akufo-Addo-led government for laying before parliament, the Right to Information bill, but renewed calls for the passage of the broadcast bill.
The association believes the two bills, when passed, will enhance transparency and accountability while deepening democracy in the country.
A statement signed by the its president Affail Monney, described as refreshing, government’s response to calls by civil society to table the bill before parliament last Friday, March 23.
The bill was on the same day read for the first time by Deputy Attorney General, Joseph Dinkiok Kpemka, on behalf of the Attorney General.
It has since been referred to the constitutional, legal and parliamentary affairs and Communications committees for the consideration.
The GJA also commended civil society for their persistent and relentless commitment to the campaign to get the about two-decade old RTI bill passed into law.
While commending president Nana AddoDankwa Akufo-Addo for walking his talk by taking the initial step to get the bill passed, the GJA said it is also looking forward to the passage of the broadcast bill.
“While stressing the need for the RTI Bill to be passed promptly, the GJA also wishes to draw the Executive and Legislature’s attention to the broadcast bill, which has also suffered similar fate as the RTI Bill for many years” the statement said.
The Right to Information (RI) is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the country’s 1992 Constitution and recognized as a right under International Conventions on Human rights.
The bill will give substance to Article 21 (1) (f) of the Constitution which states that “all persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society”.
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