Let’s get to work – Abena Osei-Asare champions RTI law in battle against IFFs

Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) Law is proving effective for accountability. Abena Osei-Asare, Vice President of AFROPAC, highlighted this fact. She is also the Chair of Ghana’s Public Accounts Committee.

In a recent Facebook post, she shared her experience in Lusaka, Zambia. There, she represented AFROPAC at the 4th African Union meeting on Tax and Illicit Financial Flows.

The forum gathered African leaders and institutions focused on financial resource loss. Osei-Asare expressed pride in sharing Ghana's use of the RTI Law. This law was enacted in 2019 to promote transparency and fight illicit financial flows.

She noted that while the RTI Law wasn't designed for this purpose, it is being effectively used. Journalists, civil society organizations, and citizens are demanding answers from public institutions.

“The RTI Law may not have been passed with IFFs in mind,” she stated. “But it empowers journalists and citizens to hold institutions accountable.” She mentioned its use in tracking mining licenses and funds for the Financial Intelligence Centre.

Osei-Asare emphasized that Parliament's role extends beyond making laws. Members of Parliament should utilize debates, hearings, and public engagement to enhance transparency.

“I believe Parliament’s role doesn’t end with lawmaking,” she said. MPs must use all available tools to strengthen accountability. “Let’s get to work,” she concluded.