Month: June 2023

The 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) climaxes its activities in the Philippines today, June 21, 2023. The conference brought together information commissioners from around the world to discuss pertinent issues with regards to the role of Information Commissioners in promoting access to information.

It is worthy of note that this year’s conference was greatly attended by the African Information Commissioners. Their participation made up a significant number of the attendees. Representatives from the African Region included;

The Right to Information Commission of Ghana represented by the Executive Secretary and the Secretary to the Board of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., and Ms. Kate Swanzy respectively.

South Africa, represented by Adv. Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson, Information Regulator and Chairperson for the Africa Region (ANIC), Lebogang Stroom-Nzama, Commissioner of the Information Regulator and Ntsumbedzeni Nemasisi, Commissioner of the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Kenya, represented by the Commissioner, Access to Information Commission on Administrative Justice, Lucy Ndungu.

Malawi, represented by the Human Rights Commissioner, Rosemary Kanyuka and Head of Access to Information unit at the Malawi Human Rights Commission, Chance Kalolokesya.

Tunisia, represented by the President of Access to Information Authority, Adnene Lassoued.

Other member countries who did not have representation physically, joined virtually and shared their experiences. African Commissioners’ participation during this 14th Edition of the ICIC both virtually and in-person, is a reflection of the growing importance of democracy in Africa, with many countries recognizing the importance of Right to Information Laws.

The conference provided a valuable platform for African Information Commissioners to share their experiences and insights with their counterparts from other regions in relation to common challenges and opportunities, best practices and innovative approaches to access to information. Other key issues discussed included ways to support member countries in their implementation of the RTI Law, funding for the charter and Capacity building.

Overall, the 14th Edition of the ICIC was a valuable opportunity for Information Commissioners from around the world. The broad participation of African Information Commissioners was particularly significant, reflecting the growing importance of access to information in Africa and the need for collaboration and co-operation on a global scale.

The International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) is currently underway in the Philippines, and one of the most important events at the conference was the meeting of the African region. This gathering provided an opportunity for African Information Commissioners to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their respective countries.

The meeting was observed by the Bermuda Information Commissioner, Gitanjali S. Gutierrez and was chaired by the Chairperson of the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC) and the Information Regulator of South Africa, Adv. Pansy Tlakula. Executive members of ANIC including the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission of Ghana, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the Information Commissioner for Kenya, Lucy Ndungu were present at the meeting as well as representatives from other member countries.

One of the key issues that emerged, was the importance of supporting each member state in developing its Information Management Systems. This support could take various forms, including the provision of technical expertise and assistance in the development of policies and guidelines.

Another crucial topic of discussion was the development of strategies aimed at encouraging the effective implementation of the RTI LAW in member countries. The Commissioners recognized that the passage of the law was just the first step, and there was a need for concerted effort to ensure that the law was implemented in practice. They discussed the importance of these strategies and their use in monitoring compliance with the law, as well as the need for public campaigns geared at raising awareness of citizens’ rights with regards to access to information held by public bodies.

Funding for the charter was also a key issue discussed at the meeting. The Commissioners recognized the development and implementation of effective information management systems required significant financial resources. They discussed the importance of exploring various funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to support the activities of RTI Commissions across the continent.

Finally, the Commissioners discussed the need for capacity building initiatives to support the development of effective implementations of the law. They recognized that many countries in the region lacked the technical expertise and resources necessary to develop and implement effective policies and practices. They emphasized the importance of developing programs that could provide training and support the Commissions of ANIC members.

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) of Ghana is currently attending the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in the Philippines. This conference is an important gathering of Information Commissioners and Ombudsmen from around the world, who come together to share their experiences, best practices and challenges in promoting access to information.

The theme of this year’s ICIC conference is “Access to Information: Building Back Better for a World That Works”. The conference is focused on exploring the role of information commissioners in promoting access to information.

The conference is an opportunity for the RTIC of Ghana to learn from other information commissioners from around the world, and to share their experiences and challenges in promoting access to information in Ghana. It is also an opportunity for the commission to showcase the progress they have made since their establishment in 2019.

Participating in international conferences such as the ICIC is important for the RTIC of Ghana as it helps the Commission to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in promoting access to information. It also provides an opportunity for the Commission to network and build relationships with other information commissioners from around the world, which can be valuable in promoting international cooperation in the area of access to information.

The RTIC of Ghana’s participation in the ICIC conference is a positive step towards promoting access to information and transparency in the public sector in Ghana.

The Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng earlier moderated on a topic: “The Role of Access to Information in Development.” from 13:30pm to 14:30pm Philippines time.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. and Secretary to the Board of the Commission, Ms. Kate Swanzy are the representatives of RTIC of Ghana in the ongoing ICIC.

The Conference is expected to end on 21st June, 2023.

The Right to Information Commission, Ghana participated in the just ended Regional Meeting of Africa Network of Information Commissions (ANIC) held on June 6 and June 7, 2023 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Two day Regional meeting which was organized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) brought together delegates from different parts of the Africa continent to discuss key issues affecting access to information in Africa.

The conference was themed “Strengthening Access to Information in Africa.” During the conference, participants discussed various aspects of access to information, including the role of Information Commissions in promoting the right to information, challenges, and best practices in implementing access to information laws, among others.

The conference was graced by several high-profile personalities, including Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO, Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Co-Convener of Open Government Partnership for Kenya, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei who delivered the opening remarks. Other notable speakers included Director of Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission, Ms. Leslie Richer and ANIC’s Chairperson and Chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa, Adv. Pansy Tlakula.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the ANIC 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, which outlines the organization’s vision, mission, and core values. The strategic plan also identified key goals, objectives, and activities that the organization intends to undertake to achieve its objectives.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission, Ghana, together with Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director of Africa Freedom of Information Centre presented on the ANIC website and discussion on Internal and External Communication Strategy of ANIC.

Other key topics discussed included cybersecurity, open data, the role of media in promoting transparency and accountability, and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring access to information in Africa.

The conference provided a platform for participants to share experiences and exchange ideas on how to strengthen access to information in Africa. Participants also had an opportunity to network and establish partnerships that will be critical to promoting the right to access information in the continent.

The Right to Information Commission as part of its 2023 strategic plan of promoting the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) will be embarking on a massive institutional sensitisation exercise. Both Public Institutions and other relevant Private Institutions will be sensitised as enshrined in Act 989.

This exercise is geared towards intensifying an institutional sensitisation drive which commenced in 2022 and also ensure public institutions and relevant private bodies are abreast with the law to aid in its smooth implementation especially regarding Enforcement, Investigations and Compliance.

The Commission began this year’s exercise on a positive note and has so far sensitised Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly Assembly Hospital, Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly, Ghana Communication Technology University,Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Landscape Restoration for Small Scale and Illegal Miners and National Alternative Empowerment and Livelihood Program for Illegal Miners.

These institutions were taken through the functions of the Commission and its duties, Access to official information, Compilation and Publication of Information Manuals, Exempt information, Procedure for Access to information, Internal Reviews and Appeals, among other key provisions of the Act.

Heads of institutions, Management, as well as staff participated in these exercises. The programmes were well attended and participants sought clarification and answers to pertinent questions about the Act from facilitators from the Right to Information Commission.

The management of the Right to Information Commission has commenced a 3 day management retreat to discuss and finalize the Strategic short and long term vision for the Commission.

Opening the program on Wednesday the 29th of March 2023, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., noted that it was imperative for the Commission’s management to meet regularly to keep themselves up to date on the activities of the Commission.

He stressed that such retreats afford leadership the opportunity to take a retrospective look at the previous year’s performance, put mechanisms in place to address challenges that the Commission faced and plan for the future

The Executive Secretary in his remarks enumerated some priority issues that needed to be addressed. These include:
•Departmental Work plan and achievements so far

•Presentation and Discussion on Employee Engagement Survey Responses

• Presentation of short and long term Strategic Vision/Goals of each Department

•Strategic Plan of the Commission II

• Any other related matters

On the 2nd day of this all important retreat, management was joined by the Senior Managers for effective discussions on the work plans of their various departments.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., implored management and senior managers after the discussions and presentations to ensure that they effectively communicate the collective and agreed upon targets to their various departments and units. This is to ensure all staff would work together towards the common goal for the growth of the Commission

The Executive Secretary thanked management and senior managers for their immense support over the years that has enhanced the work of the Commission and called on members of management to continue putting in their best for the Commission.

The retreat is expected to continue and end on the 31st of March, 2023.

The Minister of Information and Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on 10th May, 2023 paid a working visit to the Right to Information Commission ( “The Commission”) to ascertain thus far, the progress of the Commission in the implementation of the Right to Information law, 2019 (Act 989)

The Commission, led by its Board Chairman, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta and other members of the board including the Executive Secretary of the Commission, welcomed the Minister. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. briefed the Minister on the progress made by the Commission since its establishment.

Emphasising on the progress of the Commission, the Executive Secretary outlined the following:
The recruitment of staff for the Commission. The Commission has so far sensitized Ten (10) out of the Sixteen (16) regions in the country as well as some Public Institutions and relevant Private Bodies. The Commission plans of opening Regional offices for the Bono and Ashanti Regions which is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2023. The Commission has participated in International Conference of Information Commissioners, the Executive Secretary Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. being elected as an Executive Member of the African Network of Information Commissions. The various determinations of the Commission and administrative penalties imposed on institutions that are not in compliance with Act 989 and the Commission’s orders among others.

Mr. Yaw Sarpong Boateng indicated that the Commission, in its quest to be flexible and not make things too complex, has employed the use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to settle some cases that has come before it.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., further indicated that the Attorney General’s Department issued a fiat for the Commission to have prosecutorial powers to enable it prosecute offences under Act 989. To this end, the Commission in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Department trained some staff to undertake the role as prosecutors.

The Minister was enthused with the work of the Commission and commended the governing board and management of the Commission for such an impressive output.
The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Nafisa Mahama, Head of Access To Information(ATI) Division and other staff of the Information Ministry.

On 23rd February, 2023, the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., attended a One Day Seminar organised by the Department of Communication Studies (University of Ghana), as the quest speaker on a topic: “Journalism and the Right to Information Act: The Journey so Far.”

Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., gave a brief background of the Right to Information(RTI) law and outlined some of the successes the Commission has achieved and the challenges it is facing in the implementation of the law.

He noted that even though the Commission’s resources are very limited, it has not detered it in it’s engagement with the general public as part of it’s promotional activities.

The Executive Secretary indicated that, in 2020, only 50 public institutions filed their reports. However, due to the mass education on the law by the Right to Information Commission, the institutions increased from 50 to 289 in 2021 and it is expected to further increase in 2022 after the deadline of the submission of annual reports. He further noted that the Commission has since January 2023 intensified its monitoring and enforcing efforts to make sure institutions comply with the law.

The Seminar was both virtual and in person and was well patronised.

Other Speakers were Mr. Kwaku Krobea Asante (Programmes Manager for Media Foundation for West Africa), Mr. Zakaria Tanko Musah (Lawyer and a Lecturer) and was moderated by Dr. Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey.