Zambia Seeks Guidance from Ghana on Implementing Access to Information Law
Zambia’s Information and Media Minister, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, is currently in Accra, Ghana, attending the 3rd African Media Convention. During his visit, he met with his Ghanaian counterpart, Minister-designate Fatimatu Abubakar, to learn from Ghana’s experience in implementing their Right to Information (RTI) law.
Minister Mweetwa’s visit highlights the Zambian government’s commitment to effectively implementing their own Access to Information (ATI) law. Ghana’s success with a similar law in 2020 makes them a valuable source of knowledge.
Zambia is particularly interested in understanding Ghana’s processes leading up to implementation and how they overcame challenges. A key area of focus is how to ensure public officials and citizens alike understand their roles and responsibilities under the law.
The Zambian government believes the ATI law is critical for a healthy democracy. It empowers citizens to hold public officials accountable, promotes transparency, strengthens governance institutions, and fulfills President Hichilema’s campaign promise of enhanced anti-corruption measures.
Ghana’s Minister Abubakar shared their experience, highlighting the law’s effectiveness despite budgetary constraints. Public education campaigns aimed at both citizens and public officials were identified as a major factor in Ghana’s success.
Zambia is considering stricter penalties for non-compliance to build public trust. Ghana has expressed willingness to assist Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media in navigating the implementation process.
