Zambia : HoDs Sensitised On Access To Information Law

The Ministry of Information and Media (MIM) has successfully sensitised Heads of Government Departments (HoDs) in Chipata on the Access to Information law, which was enacted in December 2023.

The sensitisation exercise was aimed at equipping officers who serve as information officers in different departments with adequate knowledge on public expectations, as well as the dos and don’ts required to effectively carry out their information‑sharing mandate.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary (PS) Paul Thole, who was represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Lewis Mwape at the meeting, highlighted that access to information is a human right, and that administrative penalties will apply on individuals failing in their duties of providing information.

“Government has mandated the Human Rights Commission as the statutory body that puts administrative penalties on you HODs who may deliberately fail to comply,” he said.

Mr Thole further warned that no government officer will be allowed to use public resources to pay penalties, but their own funds, to serve as a warning to would-be offenders.

He reiterated that the government enacted the law to promote transparency in the running of public affairs.

“President Hakainde Hichilema signed this law to ensure the public service works according to the expectations of the people it serves by ensuring transparency in the system,” he indicated.

And in his presentation, MIM Director in Charge of Press and Media Development, Modern Mayembe disclosed that the law allows for institutions to appoint information officers responsible to give out information to the public.

He called on Departments to quicken this process that is key to the implementation of the Access to Information Act, adding that the law enhances service delivery and reduces corrupt practices in public offices.

“In an event where you fail to appoint an Information Officer, Heads of Departments will act as Information Officers until someone is put in place, ” the Director guided.

The meeting availed the HoDs with a number of guidelines on information sharing as provided for by the law, while indicating exceptions where information can be withheld, including matters bordering on state security and personal information in instances that compromise the safety and well-being of concerned individuals.

It was also disclosed during the meeting that requests and responses on information sharing need to be in written form, for records keeping.

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