KABUL (SW): President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has directed spokesmen for various ministries and departments to ensure availability of accurate and timely information for the media.
Haroon Chakhansuri, the Presidential spokesman said on Sunday that the President has issued a seven point decree in this regard. He added that the purpose behind this move is to make sure the citizens are well aware about the government’s activities. He added that the spokesmen, mayors, ministers and other officials are bound to provide the journalists with accurate and timely information for the public domain.
“The officials, mayors and ministers are bound to brief the press at least once a month about their activities, and these officials should exchange information with their spokesmen for at least 15 minutes a day”, he added.
As per the presidential decree, officials have been bound to provide the journalists with at least three mobile phone numbers for contact.
Siddiqullah Tawhidi, representing Nai, a local press freedom organization, welcomed the move. Speaking at the same press conference, he said that this decree would improve the access to information situation. “We want swift implementation of this so that the culture of availability of information prevails”, he said.
Based on the access to information law signed by President Ghani, people of Afghanistan have the right to access information from state departments.
ENDS
