The Right to Information remains an essential tool for journalists and citizens to ensuring accountability in governance, however, for various reasons it is not given the due recognition and impetus.

In Ghana the bill is over 17 years old, going in and out of parliament despite a supposed commitment by successive governments. In Nigeria, it took 11 years to have it passed into law, but enforcement is a major challenge, especially because the media seem highly polarized and the work of journalists is somewhat undermined by the high commercialization of news and direct influences of owners.

Despite the shortcoming; ie. The non-existence of a Right to Information law, the media in Ghana is playing an active role in ensuring good governance; independently, and through collaboration with credible CSOs, although more can still be done.

Among the recent achievements in this regard are the suspension of the mandatory tow levy, suspension of the DVLA first aid kit charges, decisive action against illegal small-scale mining and closure of an illegally operating Chinese-owned tomato factory.

Media Houses such as Citi FM continue to champion this effort, going beyond the archaic perceived role of the media only being disseminators of information to being advocates and campaigners for justice, good governance, and accountability.

Again, not just on air or online, but on the ground; this is the way forward – progressive 21st-century media.

Within CSOs can be found expertise, network, credibility, and independence while media organizations are a wealth of credibility, fearlessness, wide coverage, creativity in story-telling and influence, which can be merged galvanized to for good governance and accountability especially in Africa.

What must be done:

CSOs must endeavour to involve journalists in the planning and execution of programs and campaigns to ensure that the accurate, newsy and relevant perspectives are highlighted.

CSOs must deliberately build partnerships with media organizations to promote their collective interests

Regular CSO-Media interactions must be held to plan and execute development campaigns.

Media practitioners must build their capacities to understand the context and content of the work of CSOs.

About the Roundtable meeting

The event was organized by the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) Abuja-Nigeria with the aim of discussing ways of forging a partnership between CSOs and the media to ensure accountability and good governance.

Representing CSOs in Ghana at the event Youth Empowerment Synergy (YES-Ghana); a youth-focused independent organization working towards the promotion of a sustainable and productive future for young people in Ghana.

The roundtable meeting was funded by the Ford Foundation.

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By: Jonas Nyabor (Journalist with Accra-based Citi FM)

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