By Jennifer Pogisho
In an age where knowledge is power, the right to access information has taken centre stage in conversations about governance, democracy, and development. But is the growing emphasis on Access to Information (ATI) justified or is it just another buzzword?
Far from being a new or trendy concept, the right to information is deeply rooted in international human rights law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) affirms it as “the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media.” Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights reiterates the significance of this right. These global instruments highlight the long-standing recognition of information access as a cornerstone of individual freedom and collective empowerment.
A Right Driven by Demand
The implementation of ATI laws is not merely a top-down initiative, it is a response to public demand. People increasingly seek answers about decisions that affect their lives, and the more access they gain, the more they want. This growing awareness and expectation have made information access a fundamental aspect of modern governance.
Why Access to Information Matters
Access to information is not just about transparency for transparency’s sake. It empowers individuals with knowledge that enables informed decision-making, be it about personal matters, public policies, or service delivery. A well-informed society is better equipped to demand accountability, challenge corruption, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Furthermore, ATI strengthens democracy by fostering active citizen participation in governance. When people are informed, they are not passive recipients of policy but active contributors to shaping national discourse. ATI ensures that citizens are not left reacting defensively to decisions already made but are instead included in the development process from the onset.
Accountability, Transparency, and Development
For public and private institutions alike, ATI is a powerful tool for promoting accountability and good governance. It enhances transparency in policy formulation and implementation and creates mechanisms through which institutions can be held answerable to the public.
Beyond governance, access to information plays a vital role in social, economic, cultural, and technological development. From education and healthcare to business and innovation, accurate and timely information is the bedrock of progress. It opens doors for collaboration, bridges knowledge gaps, and creates a more equitable society.
Moreover,for entities like the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), access to information is more than a legal requirement it is a strategic imperative. It enables staff, stakeholders, and the broader public to actively participate in shaping the future of the communications sector and the nation at large.
The “fuss” about access to information, then, is not overblown. It is well founded in the belief that transparency breeds trust, knowledge fosters empowerment, and inclusivity drives national growth. It is about ensuring that no one is left behind in the democratic, developmental, and digital journey of Namibia.
Jennifer Pogisho is Manager: Access to Information and Consumer Relations & Advocacy at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)