Month: June 2024

A delegation from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) paid a working visit to the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) on June 20th, 2024, to discuss the implementation of the 5th National Action Programme (NAP5) and Ghana’s potential leadership role in OGP activities in Africa.

The visit aimed to enhance access to information through the right to information law and explore ways for Ghana to take a leading role in OGP activities in Africa. The delegation expressed interest in the passage of the Commission’s Regulations for the Legislative Instrument (LI), a key activity under NAP5, and proposed new frameworks for engagement to promote OGP activities beyond the Executive arm of government.

The Executive Secretary of RTIC, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., updated the delegation on the progress made towards preparing the Regulations for the LI and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring its passage. He also suggested routing the request for Ghana to take a leading role in OGP activities through the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC) and extended an invitation to the OGP to participate in the upcoming International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) commemoration in Ghana.

The visit marked an important step in strengthening the collaboration between OGP and RTIC, with implications for enhancing good Governance, Transparency, Accountability, mitigating corrupt practices and demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to ensuring the successful implementation of NAP5 and promoting access to information in Ghana and Africa.

The delegation led by Thelma Ohene Asiamah, Director at the Public Sector Reform Secretariat and local representative of OGP, included Tarik Nesh-Nash, Coordinator for Africa and the Middle East for OGP, Mukelani Dimba, Information Regulator from South Africa, and Ato Bessa-Simon, Programme Officer at the Public Sector Reforms Secretariat, was received by the Executive Secretary and other management members of the Commission.

Day 2 of the 15th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) commenced with an address by Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, Commissioner for National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI) of Mexico, recapping Day 1 and outlining expectations for Day 2. The day proceeded with working groups focused on enhancing access to information worldwide.

The ICIC working groups tackled various topics, including the Transparency by Design Working Group, presented by Warren Seddon, Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Freedom of Information (FOI) Director and Cibelle Brasil, Access to Information Director, Director of Brazil, which discussed reporting on transparency. The Training Working Group, led by Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, presented on digital training platforms. The Law Cases Working Group, led by Adrián Alcalá Méndez, delved into relevant cases, while the Gender and People in Vulnerable Situations Working Group, led by María Gracia Andía, presented on access to information for vulnerable groups.

A panel discussion on the future of the ICIC conference was moderated by Toby Mendel, featuring panelists were Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, INAI Chairperson, Andrew Ecclestone – Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington Daren Fitzhenry – Information Commissioner’s Office, UK and Pansy Tlakula – South Africa Information Regulator and African Network of Information Commissions chairperson.

They discussed the conference’s impact and future directions. The host nation for the 16th ICIC conference in 2025 was announced as Germany.

The Right to Information Commission of Ghana is actively participating in the conference, engaging with international experts and sharing experiences in promoting transparency and accountability. The Commission’s participation demonstrates its commitment to upholding the right to information and promoting open governance in Ghana.

The Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Ghana is participating in the 15th International Conference of Information Commissioners in Albania from 3rd June, 2024 to 5th June, 2024. The conference brings together Information Commissioners from around the world to share best practices and discuss challenges in promoting access to information and transparency.

The Ghanaian delegation, led by the Board Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Rtd) K.A. Ofori Atta, includes Deputy Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., and General Manager for Tribunal, Ms. Vivian Tetteh. On the first day of the conference, participants heard opening speeches from Commissioner Besnik Dervishi, Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDP), the National Supervisory Authority of the Republic of Albania and ICIC Host Authority 2024 and Adrian Alcalá Méndez, on behalf of National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection’s (INAI’s) Chairperson and ICIC chairperson, as well as a welcome address from Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama.

Keynote speakers were Giuseppe Busia, President of the National Anti-Corruption Authority, Italy and Darian Pavli, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights who gave his speech virtually. The panel discussions which took place after the keynote addresses discussed topics such as Empowering Vulnerable Groups through Access to Information and The Role of Civil Society and the Media in promoting Access to Information and Transparency. Parallel sessions focused on Proactive transparency through digital tools and open data initiatives and Striking a balance between Access To Information (ATI) and data protection rights in the digital realm. A UNESCO panel discussed “Mid-way through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda: Monitoring and Reporting on SDG 16.10.2”, a goal related to ensuring public access to information.

The conference provides a valuable opportunity for the Right to Information Commission of Ghana to learn from international experiences and share its own best practices in promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana.