Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine has urged the Right to Information (RTI) Commission to make environmental information a key focus in its public awareness campaigns to empower citizens to defend the environment against destruction, particularly from illegal mining.
He said increased transparency in environmental governance would enable citizens to better understand the impact of unsustainable practices and hold institutions accountable, especially as the country faces existential threats from galamsey and deforestation.
Dr Ayine made the call while speaking on the theme "Championing Transparency and Accountability through Access to Information in a Digital Era" at the 5th Anniversary and Stakeholders' Conference of the Right to Information Commission in Accra.
He stressed that access to timely environmental information is critical in safeguarding the nation's natural resources and promoting responsible governance.
"The theme for this year's anniversary celebration -- championing transparency and accountability through access to environmental information in a digital era -- could not have been more appropriate.
At a time when our nation faces the existential threat of environmental degradation, particularly from illegal mining and deforestation, access to accurate information becomes critical," he said.
The Attorney General added that transparency in environmental governance is essential to empower citizens to demand accountability from those entrusted with managing the country's natural resources.
"Transparency in environmental governance allows citizens to understand the impact of unsustainable practices and to demand accountability from those entrusted with the management of our natural resources," Dr. Ayine noted.
He therefore called on the Commission to work closely with relevant institutions to make environmental data and information easily accessible to the public.