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Freedom of Information Bill Passage:
Inexcusable!
The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is shocked at
the position of the Majority leader (Hon. Cletus Avoka) that,
the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill is less
important and for that matter, not a priority among various
bills currently under consideration by the august house of
parliament for passage.
AFAG wishes to remind the majority leader that, it was his own
party the NDC of which he leads their representation in
Parliament, who promised the good people of Ghana during the
2008 elections that, once elected into Government, they will
deal with the passage of the FOI bill as soon as possible to
demonstrate their commitment to the fight against corruption.
Interestingly today, the leader of the majority in Parliament
has the effrontery to display such arrogance by stating
categorically that, the FOI bill is not a priority. Is it the
case that, the President has lost his moral commitment to the
fight on corruption? Or the case is that, the Ghanaian does
not deserve enough to demand of Government to account for some
manifesto promises made during the 2008 elections?
Search conducted by AFAG shows that, as part of its commitment
to the fight against corruption, the NPP government under
President Kufour repealed the Criminal libel law and passed
the following underlisted:
• Internal Audit Act
• The Financial Administration Act
• The Public Procurement Law
• Whistle Blowers Act.
AFAG can’t make mention of any bill passed under President
Mills which is aimed at tackling the menace of corruption in
this country. We are however aware of a range of corruption
scandals, rocking various sectors under the watch of His
Excellency with little or no effort taken to reprimand such
public officials and their allies.
Mr. President, we need to know of your current position on the
FOI bill passage. Also AFAG will like the minority in
Parliament to state their position on the Majority leader’s
comment.
In furtherance to this, and in support of the noble works of
the Coalition on Right to Information in Ghana, AFAG is urging
all Political parties in the spirit of solidarity to renew per
a statement their commitment to the coalition call for the
urgent passage of the FOI.
God bless Ghana, God bless all!
Signed:
Arnold Boateng 0244294754 Abu Ramadan 0244570006
Bright Acheampong 0545230621 Kwaku Ohene Djan 0243372125
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