Access to information is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and many national constitutions. In order to ensure that this right is fully realized, it is essential for African countries to have independent access to information bodies, also known as information commissions.
Information commissions are independent government agencies that are responsible for promoting and protecting the right to information. They do this by overseeing the implementation of access to information laws, investigating complaints from members of the public, and promoting public awareness of the right to information.
There are several reasons why African countries need independent access to information bodies:
1. To promote transparency and accountability: Information commissions can help to promote transparency and accountability by ensuring that government agencies and institutions are open and transparent in their decision-making and operations. This can help to reduce corruption and improve governance.
2. To protect the right to information: Information commissions are responsible for protecting the right to information by ensuring that government agencies and institutions respect and uphold this right. They can do this by investigating complaints from members of the public and taking enforcement action against agencies that violate access to information laws.
3. To promote public participation: Information commissions can help to promote public participation in decision-making by ensuring that members of the public have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. This can help to improve the quality of decision-making and ensure that the voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups are heard.
As of today, there are 20 information commissions in Africa. These commissions are located in the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
It is important to note that while the existence of information commissions in these countries is a positive development, the effectiveness of these commissions varies. In order to ensure that these commissions are able to effectively promote and protect the right to information, it is essential for African countries to provide them with the necessary resources and support. This includes ensuring that they have the legal powers and independence they need to carry out their mandates, as well as sufficient funding and staffing to operate effectively.
In conclusion, independent access to information bodies are essential for ensuring that the right to information is fully realized in African countries. These commissions play a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation, and it is essential for African countries to provide them with the necessary resources and support to carry out their mandates effectively.