The Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has asked journalists to reflect on the Right to Information law and appreciate the watershed that its passage has been for the country’s information governance.
In spite of all its shortcomings, PRINPAG, points out in a message signed by its Executive Secretary, Kenteman Nii Laryea-Sowah that the RTI has happened in the same country where there used to be criminal libel law.
“PRINPAG urges the media, the government and the public at large to use the occasion to reflect on the successes we have chalked as a nation as a result of the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law and juxtapose that with what our nation would have become had we allowed the culture of silence which was muffed with fear of victimization, abuse of power and curtailment of civil rights and liberty to fester,” said PRINPAG in a statement.
The statement was to commemorate the international day for universal access to information.
The solidarity message encouraged media practitioners to utilize the RTI Act 2019 (Act 989) “to enhance the quality of the service expected from us as members of the fourth estate of the realm.”
The theme for this year’s commemoration is couched: “Right to Information Act 2019 (Act989); a tool to ensure transparency, good governance, sustainable development in leveraging international cooperation.”
The statement from PRINPAG urged media practitioners, especially those of the private media, to acquaint themselves with the RTI.