A delegation from the Philippines’ Freedom of Information (FoI) Secretariat has made a significant working visit to Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) Commission.
The purpose of the visit was to learn from Ghana’s experience in implementing its RTI law, a critical milestone in the country’s transparency and governance efforts. The insights gained will be instrumental in shaping the Philippines’ own Right to Information legislation, which is currently in the drafting stage.
During the visit, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., Executive Secretary of Ghana’s RTI Commission, warmly welcomed the delegation and praised the Philippine government’s proactive approach to freedom of information.
“It is rare for a government to demonstrate such dedication to freedom of information initiatives even before legislation is enacted.
“The Philippines’ approach is commendable and reflects a strong commitment to transparency and accountability.”
Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., Executive Secretary of Ghana’s RTI Commission
In his discussions, Mr. Boateng emphasized the necessity of establishing an independent body once the Philippines’ RTI law is passed. This, he stressed, would be crucial in avoiding potential conflicts with other government agencies that may arise during the implementation of the law.
The Executive Secretary also gave the delegation a comprehensive overview of the organizational structure of the RTI Commission in Ghana. He highlighted the roles of various departments and key personnel, including the critical functions of dispute resolution.
Mr. Boateng noted that the Commission places strong emphasis on “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to handle conflicts that emerge when information requests are denied.”
“This approach reduces the strain on formal court systems and allows for faster resolution of disputes related to access to information. ADR has proven to be an effective tool in maintaining transparency while avoiding protracted legal battles,”
Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., Executive Secretary of Ghana’s RTI Commission
Several key officials from Ghana’s RTI Commission were present during the visit, sharing valuable insights into the operational challenges and best practices of the Commission.
The management team included Stephen Owusu Esq., Head of Legal; Kofi Amoah Sarpong, Head of Planning, Policy, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME); Vincent Opoku, Head of Finance; Kate Swanzy, Board Secretary; Francis Wayem, Senior Manager, PPBME; and Elizabeth Segbefia, Manager, Enforcement, Investigation, and Compliance (EIC).
These officials detailed the various obstacles they have encountered since the implementation of the RTI law. Bureaucratic resistance within certain government institutions was highlighted as one of the major hurdles, with some institutions slow to embrace transparency and open data sharing.
Philippines’ FoI Approach
Ms. Krizia Casey P. Avejar, the head of the Philippine delegation, expressed deep appreciation for the insights gained from Ghana’s RTI Commission. She emphasized the significance of this learning exchange, noting that the Philippines is at a pivotal moment in its journey toward enacting its own RTI law.
“The FoI Secretariat operates under an Executive Order that prioritizes public access to information, and this proactive stance reflects our government’s commitment to transparency.
“Learning from Ghana’s experience will help us refine our approach as we move towards formalizing our RTI law.”
Ms. Krizia Casey P. Avejar, the head of the Philippine delegation
This executive order serves as a framework for public access to information, which Ms. Avejar believes has laid a strong foundation for future legislation.
The visit underscored the collaborative spirit between the two nations in their shared goal of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. Both the Philippines and Ghana recognize the crucial role that access to information plays in empowering citizens and fostering democratic governance.
By sharing experiences and best practices, countries can accelerate progress towards more transparent and responsive governments. This exchange represents not only a learning opportunity but also a step towards building stronger international partnerships in the global push for transparency in governance.
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