Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister for Information, has disclosed that Ghana will host the 2024 Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).
The conference, which will be under the theme: “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation across the Public Sector,” is scheduled for October 1st to 2nd, 2024 in Accra.
Addressing the gathering at the launch, the minister said the upcoming conference serves as a testament to the progress in promoting Ghana’s right to information.
The theme for this year’s conference, the minister indicated, underscores the importance of integrating the right to information into the fabric of public institutions.
Abubakar took the opportunity to recount Ghana’s journey towards establishing the Right to Information (RTI) Law.
“Despite the 1992 Constitution guaranteeing the right to access information, it wasn’t until May 21, 2019, that the RTI Law was assented. Its implementation began in 2020 after extensive advocacy and legislative efforts.
“Seven years after the 1992 Constitution came into force, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) prepared the first draft of a right to information bill.
“However, the passage of the bill into law was delayed through different political administrations,” Mrs Abubakar explained.
Additionally, she added that the Right to Information Commission has been set up, serving as the regulatory body to ensure compliance and address grievances.
Highlighting the global importance of access to information, Abubakar referenced the United Nations’ proclamation of September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
“The 2024 Global Conference marks the first time this celebration is hosted by an African Member State, providing an opportunity to highlight successful access to information practices on the continent,” Mrs Abubakar noted.
“The conference’s main objective is to offer Governments and civil society a list of best practices for mainstreaming the right to information into the organisational systems and culture of different public authorities,” she said.
Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, expressed delight over Ghana being chosen to host the 2024 Global Conference.
“The Ghana Commission for UNESCO is delighted that Ghana has been selected to host this important conference to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information,” Nerquaye-Tetteh announced.
She highlighted Ghana’s history of hosting significant global conferences under UNESCO’s auspices, including the World Press Freedom Day in 2018 and the recent African Media Convention.
“For us at the Commission, this is another feather in the nation’s cup and testifies to Ghana’s high repute and the impact it makes globally in the area of information access,” she noted.
“This conference will enable important conversations on how to improve access, especially in the digital age,” she stated, underscoring the significance of the event in advancing global information access standards.
The Ghana Commission for UNESCO pledged its support to ensure the success of the conference.
The conference will feature a high-level Inter-Ministerial panel discussion, focusing on improving access to information across various government sectors. Special sessions will address critical areas such as environment, health, and ICTs, exploring the role of international standards and best practices.
The event will conclude with the adoption of the Accra Statement titled “Harnessing the Power of Data for Positive Change: A Commitment to Access to Information” and the launch of a Special Joint Publication commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Model Law on Access to Information in Africa.
