By Rosemary Wayo, GNA
Tamale (N/R), Dec 3, GNA - Municipal and Metropolitan District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Northern region have been assured of the benefits of the Right To Information Law (RTI) in their work, and not an instrument created to intrude their work.
The RTI law was explained as not intrusive, but one that made room for access to accurate and reliable information that would stop people from misleading society with information from unknown sources.
Mr Samson Lardy Anyenini, a Lawyer at A-Partners of law, gave this assurance at a forum organised by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in Tamale, aimed at educating the MMDCEs on the RTI law and their respective roles in its implementation.
According to him, it was necessary to educate MMDCEs,as they were trustees of power who ought to be part of the governance process and as figures who added up in promoting democracy.
He mentioned that the MMDCEs were major beneficiaries of the law as public duty bearers and said information would be accessed formally from them and prevent suspicions, and avoid speculations mistaken for facts.
He however advised the MMDCEs against attempts to alter, conceal or damage documents, willingly disclosing exempt information and failure to comply to sections of the law and warned that it constituted gross misconduct and punishable by law.
Mr Salifu Saeed, the Northern Regional Minister, said it was important for the RTI law to be considered a positive introit to guide against victims of irresponsible behaviour.
He urged the MMDCEs to discuss it with their constituents to sensitise them on it, adding that "ignorance of the law is no excuse".
The RTI law is meant to complement human rights provisions enshrined in the country’s constitution to foster transparency and accountability, and has made protective provisions for information holders and officers.
The law in part holds that an information officer is not liable to any action, claim, suit or demand whether criminal or Civil, for an omission or action, in the cause of duty, provided the information was compliant with law.
GNA
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