Access to information will promote accountability

Before the Access to Information Law was enacted, public officials were not forthcoming in releasing data. To many, it was up to their discretion or their superiors’ to release information, however trivial or harmless. The stalemate among seekers and custodians of information lead to the former questioning the motives behind the intransigence, but it was just a case of lack of awareness. In most cases, it is all about officials protecting the integrity of their institution, but sometimes they do not want to the source of the “leak” in case the information released creates a storm. It is a common understanding that not all information is accessible; depending on its sensitivity, but no shroud of secrecy should be cast around information that directly relates to the social welfare of a nation. Access to information is a vital tool for any society, it is a sign of transparency and helps keep public officials entrusted with managing public property or developmental programmes on their toes. Many custodians of information need to become acquainted with the new law as it will not only ease information flow but will also enhance accountability. On the other hand, not all seekers of information are well versed with the law either; what is accessible to be in the public domain and what is classified. This might soon be history as the new law slowly starts seeping into the minds of stakeholders. But it can only be possible if a nationwide campaign is carried out to sensitise all layers of the population that information is a public right.

Opinions

Access to information will promote accountability