1.8 Public information is easily guaranteed by law, to all citizens. accessible, There is no law on access to public information or information of public interest. However there are a number of references in Togolese legislation to citizens’ access to public information. Article 3 of the Press Code states: “The Togolese government guarantees to every person living within its national territory the right to be informed, to inform and to have access to sources and means of information while respecting the laws governing communication”. Article 71 of the code adds that “no person can be prevented or forbidden from accessing sources of information, except those related to state security, national defense, professional secrets or matters concerning the private lives of individuals”. Act 2004 – 021 on the HAAC provides that “no person shall be denied access to sources of information or be obstructed in carrying out their duties in the area of broadcasting and communication as long as they act within the provisions of the law”. The law on press cards further states, in its articles 3 and 21, that professional journalists or communication technicians can use their card to get access to sources of information “in line with procedures put in place to this effect”. In reality, though, there are many obstacles to free access to public information. The conservative and traditionally secretive attitude of public officials was cited among the constraints most difficult to overcome. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 90 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 1.8