The Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, has given the assurance that government is �busily working on the Right to Information Bill to give access to any citizen, especially, journalists, who may need it.�
He was speaking at the launch of the sixth anniversary of Graphic Communications Group Limited at Alisa Hotel yesterday.
The theme for the anniversary was �60 Years of Leadership in News and Advertising: Supporting National Development in A Transformed Media Landscape.�
He added that the Bill will support the already passed Whistle Blowers Act and would ease the work of the media. This assurance comes amidst immense pressure on government to by various civil society groups and individuals that are advocating for the passage of the Bill, saying that the Bill, if passed will serve as a valuable anti-corruption tool, especially when Ghana has discovered oil in commercial quantities � a fortune that may become a curse, if not managed properly.
These groups like the Ghana National Coalition on the Right to Information (GNCRTI), who have questioned the process�s lack of transparency; others have also complained about the slow pace of the process.
Mr Mahama added that government would not resolve to harassing journalists for their editorial opinion, but was quick to add that journalist must also balance freedom with responsible reportage that would not seek to damage people�s reputation.
The Vice President also commended Graphic for their achievements, citing the employment the company offers to many Ghanaians, 15.7 million Ghana Cedis the company has paid in taxes and 200,000 Ghana Cedis they spend annually on corporate social responsibility.
According to him, this has led him to believe that Graphic had �shuttered the myth that state-owned businesses can perform well.�
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