Right to Information: Young People must be Concerned!

After reading features I chanced upon from the Daily Graphic dated 'Monday, February 8, 2010', 'Wednesday, February 24, 2010', and 'Tuesday, May 4, 2010' all written by E. Kwame Mensah, I saw the need to get involved, try to understand and make known to as many young people I could reach with the good news- the “Right to Information”. My little research through interaction revealed that many people especially young people do not know of their right to information and an existing Right to Information Bill, I feel Government has made very little noise about this vital issue or even make copies for public access. Nevertheless, young would want to know what this right is, how they can exercise and enjoy their Right to Information.

I understand that the Right to Information Bill is presently before Parliament awaiting Passage- how long will this take? What is slowing the passage of this important Bill into Law? Are we ready as a nation to make this right known to rural Ghana too? Who is playing a lead role to ensure what is said is done? Who is tasked to exploit our resources? How much is Ghana earning and how will the revenue be utilised? These are few of the many questions I ask myself daily. I'm sure you are beginning to get the picture. A Right to Information Law will answer most of our un-answered questions.

On what grounds do I call for all, especially young people to be concerned and take positive action to ensure passage and effective implementation of the Right to Information Bill that currently is before parliament? Article 12, clause 2 of Ghana's 1992 constitution, stipulates “Every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this chapter but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for public interest”, additionally, critical look at Article 21, clause 1F also says “All persons shall have the right to Information, subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society”. Note, the constitution did not say some- but all persons, young people included. Ghana in the month of December 2010 ratified the African Youth Charter - great news and a step in the right direction; it is time to 'walk the talk'. Article 11, section 2 (e) of the African Youth Charter spells out clearly that “State Parties shall take the following measures to promote active youth participation in society: Provide access to information such that young people become aware of their rights and of the opportunities to participate in decision-making and civic life”. I'm sure there are other laws and policies binding Ghana because she has beautifully signed or ratified them, but how are we ensuring they are implemented?

We must be concerned because the power of government lies in the hands of the people- in whose name and on whose behalf government functions e.g. taking loans, granting contracts, drawing our national budget and deciding for the masses in most matters concerning development and national growth, this can be confirmed by noting Article 1 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana; We have every right to know what action is being taking in our name and on our behalf to ensure it is in our best interest as government promises. Also, an existing and effectively functioning Right to Information Law will provide a good tool to demand information from government and know how we can also contribute our quota as young people to national development.

The benefits of having a Right to Information Law is great; Empowered Young people to contribute to nation building (youth participation) and ensure public resources are effectively utilised for the good of all, Well informed media houses who will circulate the right and accurate information we can all rely on- not rumours, An investment and market-friendly environment where investors could troop in and create jobs in a transparent system, It will also create a corruption-free environment and will put officials who may want to divert public resources into their pockets in check. Need I say more? To conclude I say “Young people can better exercise the freedom of expression and thought depending on the availability of adequate information to make informed opinions, choices and contribute to personal, community and National development as a whole”. Get involved, Act now by first letting others know so we can put pressure on parliament to pass the Bill, it's now or never.