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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Freedom of information and records management in Ghana |
Author: | Adams, Musah |
Year: | 2006 |
Periodical: | African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science |
Volume: | 16 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 29-38 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Ghana |
Subjects: | freedom of information legislation |
Abstract: | In recent years there has been a drive towards the passage and implementation of freedom of information (FOI) legislation in many countries. Access to information is gaining acceptance as a necessary tool in ensuring the participation of the citizenry in democratic governance. An effective implementation of a freedom of information law is expected to lead to an open, transparent and accountable society. This paper identifies some countries in Africa which have passed and implemented FOI laws and discusses the relevance of the law in the Ghanaian context. It outlines some basic elements of FOI, summarizes Ghana's draft Right to Information Bill 2003, and examines the basic information infrastructure in Ghana. The paper argues that an effective records management system is required to ensure the successful implementation of a freedom of information law and cites from the United Kingdom and India Acts to support this position. Some weaknesses of the Ghanaian bill, such as lack of an impartial internal review procedure and independent implementing and monitoring authorities, are identified and suggestions made for solving these problems. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |