The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology on Tuesday announced the endorsement of the Access to Information (ATI) Act’s regulations by the National Assembly.
The ATI law (Act No. 8 of 2022) is vital to promote access to information. Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said the commencement of ATI will lead to the establishment of the independent Office of the Information Commissioner.
This will enable the appointment of the Information Commissioner and Deputy Information Commissioner, as outlined by the Act. This Commission will enhance and amplify the public’s right to access information.
“This development will facilitate the appointment of the Information Commissioner and the Deputy Information Commissioner as stipulated in the Act. The Commission will play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the public’s rights to access information,” Theofelus said.
Moreover, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Senior Public Relations Officer Shoki Kandjimi said this important milestone confirms the country’s dedication to access to information as established by the ATI legislation.
“This significant milestone reaffirms the country’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, good governance and access to information as enshrined in the ATI legislation,” he said.
Furthermore, Kandjimi highlighted that with the endorsement of the ATI regulations, the Minister will soon announce in the Government Gazette when the Act will be implemented and set it in motion.
“With the endorsement of the Access to Information Regulations, Hon. Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology will soon issue a notice in the Government Gazette for the commencement of the implementation of this Act and pave the way for operationalisation,” Kandjimi said.
