Fatimatu Abubakar, minister for Information has called for a collective commitment from public sector institutions to prioritize transparency and accessibility of the flow of information.

According to the minister, institutions must ensure that all Ghanaians benefit from open governance.

“For any democracy to thrive, its citizens must be well-informed, and public sector institutions must be transparent and accessible, our resolve to continue improving access to information in every corner of the country has never been stronger,” she said

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2024 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in Accra on October 2, 2024, under the theme "Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector”, the minister highlighted that access to information is not merely a right but a crucial enabler of progress.

She expressed gratitude for the meaningful discussions that took place during the two-day event.

“Information is the lifeblood of democracy, the bridge between governments and the governed,” she said.

“Together, we can shape the future of access to information in Ghana and beyond,” she added.

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transparency and citizen participation.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the President by Education Minister Yaw Adutwum on October 1, 2024, the President reflected on the passage of the Right to Information Act as a landmark achievement in Ghana’s democratic journey, stating, “Access to information is the lifeblood of democratic participation.

“It is through transparency that we can hold leadership accountable and ensure that the voices of all Ghanaians are heard.”

He outlined the progress made in digitizing public services and enhancing access to information through initiatives such as the Ghana Digital Transformation Agenda.

He stressed the need for public institutions to move beyond compliance and promote openness, adding, that “Access to information must be inclusive. It must reach every corner of the country, including our most remote communities.

“That is why we have extended fiber optic networks to underserved areas and expanded mobile network coverage to connect even the most isolated populations. I am determined to ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind in the information age.”

The two-day events were held from October 1-2, 2024, and were jointly organized by UNESCO and the Government of Ghana and drew key stakeholders from around the world to discuss the importance of data transparency and citizen engagement in modern governance.





AM/OGB

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