Following the successful passage of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2019, (Act 989) it has become essential to sensitize all institutions (public sectors) about this important law. In line with this, a one-day workshop was held for the staff of the Bosomtwe District Assembly by the Ashanti Regional RTI Commission. The RTI Act 2019 (Act 989), passed in May 2019, grants all persons the right to request information from public institutions without oppressions. The workshop sought to inform and empower the workers (Departnental/Unit Heads and staff) of the District Assembly on functions of the Act and its relevance in promoting transparency and accountability.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Firdaus Ibrahim, the Right to Information Officer of the District. She emphasized the importance of the RTI Act, explaining that its passage was essential to foster transparency, accountability, and smooth governance in public institutions. Isaac Antwi, a representative of the Ashanti Regional RTI Commission, provided a background on the Act. He cited Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution to buttress his point that, the right to access information had already been enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution which states, “All persons shall have the right to information, subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society”. Mr. Kofi Amoako Gyampah (2nd speaker), explained the procedures for accessing information as outlined in the Act. He pointed out that, in accordance to Section 18 of the act, a person requesting for information from any public institution, shall be formal (written), clear and concise and form of the information either electronic or hard documents. However, not all information can be accessed. Mr. Ishaq Duffour Kyei Brobbey highlighted on the exemptions under the Act, to include internal working documents of institutions, information affecting international relations, and information that could compromise national security among others.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session, during which staff of the had the opportunity to ask questions, share contributions, and make suggestions regarding the application of the RTI Act. The program was lauded as a vital step towards ensuring that public institutions adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability, while respecting the provisions of the RTI Act.
