The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, underscored the significance of access to information in democratic societies at the closing ceremony of the Global Conference on International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in Accra.
The two-day conference, held on October 1-2, 2024, brought together participants from around the world to explore innovative ways to enhance access to information, citizen engagement, sustainable development, and social accountability.
Hosted jointly by the Government of Ghana and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the conference aimed to mainstream access to information and participation in the public sector.
The theme of the 2024 Global Conference, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector,” reflected the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Fatimatu Abubakar emphasized that information is the lifeblood of democracy, serving as the bridge between governments and the governed. She stressed that access to information is essential for informed decision-making and active citizen participation.
The conference featured a high-level panel discussion, comprising experts and policymakers, who shared insights on advancing access to information and promoting transparency.
Panel discussions focused on key areas, including the role of technology in enhancing access to information, strategies for overcoming barriers to information access, and best practices in promoting transparency and accountability.
Fatimatu Abubakar expressed gratitude to UNESCO, the Right to Information Commission, civil society organizations, media partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the conference’s success.
She expressed optimism about the future, envisioning a society where access to information serves as the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and empowered citizenry.
The IDUAI Global Conference in Accra marked a significant milestone in the global effort to promote access to information, transparency, and accountability, setting the stage for continued collaboration and progress in these critical areas.
