Yesterday, President Akufo-Addo swore in a seven-member commission to oversee the implementation of the Right To Information (RTI) Law.
A brief ceremony was held at Jubilee House, where President Akufo-Addo led the members to swear the oath of office and oath of secrecy.
In his remarks afterwards, the President referred to the RTI Law, which he assented to on May 21, 2019, that it demanded the establishment of a commission
He added that the seven-member board is mandated to resolve complaints through negotiations, conciliation, mediation or arbitration, dismissing applications for access to information if it considers the application to be frivolous, and to issue specific directives on matters with confidential information, among others.
He stated that the realisation of the RTI demonstrated his government’s determination to follow the principles of accountability.
He assured the commission that his administration will do everything possible to support its work.
Implementing the Right To Information Bill, which was first drafted by the IEA, began in 1999, having undergone several revisions and with successive governments lacking the political will to pass it.
“This seven-member board is mandated to resolve complaints through negotiation, conciliation mediation or arbitration, dismiss an application access to information if you consider the application to be frivolous or vexatious.
“It is also to issue specific directions in matters concerning confidential information, minors and other circumstances which the commission considers appropriate among others. As an
an independent body established to safeguard the constitutional right to information, your work must be guided at all times by respect for the rule of law, adherence to the freedom of expression, and unequivocal attachment to justice.
“You’ve been identified as persons of truth and integrity and as persons who are familiar with the considerations of the law, and I’m confident that you discharge your duties efficiently and effectively.
“The law also requires you, as board, to ensure the proper functioning of the commission. The diversity in the composition of this board must come to bed with the decisions of the Commission in resolving complaints and other matters that may come to it.
“The steps we have taken towards the realisation of the Right To Information Law demonstrates the determination of my administration to adhere to the principles of accountable government, entrenched democracy, and vigorously fight corruption. I assure the Commission that the government was committed in providing it with the requisite resources needed for its full operation.”
The Commission is chaired by Justice K. A. Ofori-Atta (rtd), Mrs Elizabeth Asare, Deputy Chairperson, Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Executive Secretary, and Victoria D.E. Susuawu. The rest are; Dr Edith Dankwa, Nana Kwame Duah, David Oppong-Kusi.
The Chairperson, in short acceptance remarks, thanked the President for the opportunity given to them.
He assured the President that they will work within the dictates of the law.
The post Akufo-Addo swears in RTI Commission appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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