The Central Region branch of the Right to Information (RTI) Coalition on Thursday debunked assertions that Ghanaians are not ready for the RTI law.
The Coalition noted that an RTI law was fundamental to the realisation of the country’s socio-economic as well as civil and political rights.
Mrs Baaba Brew Fleischer, Regional Coordinator of the Coalition who made the remarks expressed regret that since the drafting of the Bill in 2002, there has been lack of enthusiasm from political circles with the argument that Ghanaians were not ready for it.
It was also not true that it would be too costly for a developing country like Ghana.
She was addressing media personnel and some Assembly Members in the Cape Coast Metropolis at a day's focus group discussion to increase support towards the passage of the RTI Bill into law.
She said the passing of the RTI Bill into law would not distract government from its priorities of creating jobs, building schools and providing decent healthcare.
According to her, what politicians were failing to see was the fact that an effective right to information law would provide an enhanced and enabling climate for the full realisation of other fundamental human rights such as the right to shelter, water and other basic infrastructure and facilitate development as a whole.
Mrs Fleischer called for the Bill to be passed as soon as possible since access to information would strengthen democracy, good governance, transparency, accountability, economic growth and development, poverty reduction and also fight corruption.
Ms Esther Ahulu, Project Officer of the RTI Coalition called for various amendments to be effected on the Bill such as inclusion of some private bodies and Chieftaincy Institutions to be covered under the law to among other things ensure that they do not impinge on public interest.
She expressed worry about the Bill's silence on recordkeeping, saying without records, the Right to Information becomes 'imaginary'.
Ms Ahulu suggested that the Bill should reinforce the Ghana Public Records and Archives Administration Act, 1997 (Act 535).
The Media personnel resolved to ensure much attention was given the Bill in their reportage and discussions whilst the Assembly members also promised to educate their communities on the legislation in order to ensure it passage.