We will pass RTI bill soon – President Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that his government was committed to passing the Right to Information (RTI) Bill into law very soon.

“My government intends to pass the Right to Information Bill into law very soon. We know that transparency protects officials and the public in the dealing with the public purse. The public has the right to know what politicians and the public officials do in their name,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo said this in a speech read on his behalf by Professor George Gyan Baffour, the Minister of State in charge of Planning, at this year’s Concordia Summit in New York.

Concordia Annual Summit is a gathering of the world’s most prominent businesses, governments, and non-profit leaders for effective partnerships.

The global affairs forum examines the world’s most pressing challenges and identifies avenues for collaboration.

President Akufo-Addo reiterated government’s commitment to the fight against corruption to drive investment and create the most business friendly economy.

He said corruption remained a debilitating factor in the management of public financing despite efforts by past governments, resilient policies and mechanisms being taken to identify and punish such acts.

The President said the fight against corruption began with him, having declared his assets two weeks into office and directed the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Service to investigate every single allegation of corruption or financial malfeasance against ministers and appointees.

He said the Government was also setting up, by an Act of Parliament, an Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute offences of corruption towards building integrity and restoring trust.

President Akufo-Addo said the country could not move forward without tackling corruption and that government was redoubling efforts to fight the canker towards ensuring sustainable development.

Source: GNA