Month: July 2023

The Right to Information Commission, in their steadfast commitment to promoting transparency and accountability, held a highly informative public lecture on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) on the 27th of July, 2023. The event took place at Akroma Plaza in Takoradi, drawing the attention of Heads of Public Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Students and the public keen on understanding and utilizing their right to access information.

Under the patronage of the Regional Minister, the Western Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Frederick Agyemang, delivered the welcome address. He emphasized the importance of the Right to Information Act in fostering a more transparent and accountable society, urging attendees to actively engage with the subject matter.

The keynote speech was delivered by Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, the Board Chairman of the Right to Information Commission. In his address, Justice Ofori-Atta highlighted the essential provisions of Act 989, emphasizing how this legislation empowers citizens to access vital information from public institutions. His words resonated among the audience, inspiring individuals to exercise their rights and play an active role in promoting good governance.

The Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission further elucidated Act 989 through an insightful presentation. Attendees were walked through the act’s crucial clauses, its impact on society, and the practical steps required to request information. The engaging and interactive session fostered a deeper understanding of the act’s intricacies, empowering citizens with the knowledge to navigate the process effectively.

Closing remarks were offered by Mr. David Oppon-Kusi, a Board Member of the Commission. He expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their active participation, emphasizing the significance of their commitment to utilizing the Right to Information Act as a tool for societal change. Mr. Oppon-Kusi encouraged citizens to embrace their rights under Act 989 and actively engage with public institutions to foster transparency and accountability.

The public lecture was a resounding success, allowing citizens of Takoradi and the Western Region as a whole to deepen their understanding of the Right to Information Act, 2019.

The Right to Information Commission, led by its esteemed Board Chairman, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, paid a courtesy call to the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko, and the Sekondi Traditional Council. The visit served as an opportunity to formally inform the regional government and the traditional council about the Commission’s upcoming public lecture on the Right to Information Act, 2019(Act 989). The event, to be held at Akroma Plaza in Takoradi on the 27th of July, 2023, aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of information access in Ghana.

The Right to Information Commission, comprising its Board Chairman, Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng, other Board Members, Management, and Staff, embarked on this visit to engage with key stakeholders involved in governance and traditional affairs. The warm welcome extended by Mr. Frederick Agyemang, the Regional Coordinating Director, on behalf of Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko, and Nana Barima Ekow Gyesa II, on behalf of the Sekondi Traditional Council, exemplified the significance of the Commission’s work in ensuring transparency and accountability.

The upcoming public lecture on the Right to Information Act, 2019(Act 989) holds immense value in enabling citizens to exercise their right to access information. By disseminating knowledge about the law and its implications, the Right to Information Commission seeks to enhance governance and promote participatory democracy. This event serves as a platform for individuals from diverse sectors to engage in informative discussions, foster a culture of open communication, and understand the transformative power of access to information.

The Right to Information Commission’s courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister and the Sekondi Traditional Council stood as an important milestone in fostering collaboration and raising awareness about right of access to information.

The Right to Information Commission recently made a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Marigold Assan, and the Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Kingsley Agyei Boahene, as part of their activities leading up to a public lecture on the Right to Information law in Cape Coast.

The RTI Commission, headed by its Board Chairman, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, and Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., along with other board members and management, visited the Regional Coordinating Council to officially inform and invite the Regional Minister to the public lecture.

The visit was regarded as a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability in the Central Region of Ghana. The Right to Information law grants citizens access to public information, thereby enabling them to hold government officials accountable. The public lecture aims to educate the public and enhance their understanding of their rights under this legislation.

On behalf of the Regional Minister, Mr. Kingsley Agyei , warmly received the Commission and expressed their appreciation for the invitation. He acknowledged the importance of the Right to Information law in empowering citizens and ensuring good governance. He also emphasized the Minister’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote accountability and transparency in the region.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng in his remarks highlighted the key objectives of the public lecture and explained the role of the Right to Information Commission in enforcing the law.

The Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Kingsley Agyei Boahene, commended the Commission for their efforts and assured them of the Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the public lecture. He stressed the importance of creating awareness about the Right to Information law and encouraged active participation from the public.

The Right to Information Commission’s nationwide sensitization tour has arrived in the Central Region. As such, the delegation Led by the Board Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, accompanied by the Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., other Board Members, Management and Staff paid a courtesy call to the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Osaberima Kwesi Atta II, at his palace, the Emintsimadze palace in Cape Coast.

The Commission sought to officially inform Osaberima Kwesi Atta II of its upcoming public lecture on the Right to Information law on the 25th of July,2023 in Cape Coast. The delegation was warmly received.

The Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., in his address, passionately discussed the importance of the Right to Information law and its role in promoting democracy and accountability in our society. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to fostering transparency, ensuring access to information, and empowering citizens to actively participate in governance.

He further detailed the various initiatives and programs that the Commission has undertaken to educate citizens about their rights and maximize the benefits of the Right to Information law. He highlighted how the upcoming public lecture in Cape Coast would serve as a platform to educate, engage, and inspire the community to take advantage of this crucial legislation.

Moved by the vision of the Commission, Osaberima Kwesi Atta II graciously extended his royal blessings and wholeheartedly endorsed their endeavors. He recognized the significance of empowering citizens with access to information, expressed his firm belief in the mission of the Commission, vowed his support and encouraged the public to participate actively in the public lecture.

The Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Ghana took a monumental step towards cultivating open and transparent governance with the launch of its five-year strategic plan. The momentous event, held on the 20th of July 2023, brought together esteemed dignitaries, including the governing board of the Commission led by Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, and the Information Minister, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who officiated the launch of the strategic plan.

The strategic plan, dubbed “Pathway to Open and Transparent Governance: A Five-Year Strategy for the Right to Information Commission of Ghana,” represents the roadmap which outlines the Commission’s vision and objectives in promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information within the country.

Recognizing the fundamental right of citizens to access information from public institutions, the strategic plan serves as a guiding framework for the Commission’s operations and intervention strategies over the next five years. By ensuring that Ghanaians have easy access to public information, the Commission aims to empower citizens, enhance public participation, and foster good governance at all levels.

One of the key highlights of the strategic plan is the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its capacity in processing transparency requests promptly and efficiently. With the aim of eliminating bureaucratic red tape and delays, the Commission will develop streamlined processes and invest in advanced technology to facilitate the timely release of information.

To achieve its goals, the Commission will also focus on capacity-building initiatives targeting both public servants and citizens. Through training programs and public awareness campaigns, the Commission aims to enhance the understanding of the right to information, ensuring that both requesters and public institutions are well-informed on their rights and responsibilities.

Furthermore, the strategic plan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media. By fostering synergies among key actors, the Commission aims to create a network of advocates for transparency and accountability, amplifying its impact and nurturing a culture of open governance.

The launch of the strategic plan marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards cultivating an open and transparent society and the Commission’s commitment to promoting access to information aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The government, civil society, and citizens all have a role to play in guaranteeing the successful implementation of the Commission’s strategic plan. Commitment, collaboration, and vigilance are crucial in transforming the right to information into a tangible reality that translates into accountable and responsive governance.

The launch of the strategic plan by the Commission, sets the stage for a new era of openness and transparency in governance. By empowering citizens, enhancing public participation, and strengthening accountability mechanisms, Ghana takes a significant step towards building a just and inclusive society where information is readily accessible to all.

The Board Members, Management and Legislative Instrument (L. I.) Committee of the Right to Information Commission is currently climaxing its two day meeting in shaping the Draft LI of the Commission.

The objective of this gathering is to address the various inputs received from other institutions and concentrate on shaping the Draft LI (Legal Instrument) for enhanced transparency and governance in Ghana.

The meeting which began on July 12, 2023 and ends on July 13, 2023 brings together members from diversified backgrounds, aiming to create an inclusive environment that encourages open dialogue and knowledge sharing.

The Right to Information Commission has been crucial in championing the rights of citizens to have access to accurate information, empowering them to make informed decisions and hold public institutions accountable.

The agenda for this Two-Day engagement meeting primarily revolves around the thorough consideration of inputs from various institutions related to the Draft LI. Participants delved into the suggested revisions, recommendations, and additions brought forward by these institutions. Such extensive engagement is essential to ensure that the LI accurately reflects the needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved.

The Draft LI holds the power to shape the future of governance and transparency in Ghana. It will establish a comprehensive framework that facilitates the easy and efficient flow of information between institutions and citizens. By enabling open access to relevant information, the Draft LI when pass, will contribute to informed decision-making, heighten accountability, and foster trust between institutions and the public they serve.

Notably, this meeting signifies a crucial step in the collaborative efforts of different institutions, emphasizing the collective responsibility of stakeholders towards implementing effective governance practices. The Two-Day engagement meeting not only offered a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences but also provided an opportunity for discourse that fosters consensus-building and synergy among various stakeholders.

The Board, Management, and LI Committee engagement meeting aims at shaping the future governance framework of Ghana. With the collective wisdom and expertise of stakeholders, this gathering promises to deliver an LI that responds to the dynamic needs of society, promotes informed decision-making, and strengthens public trust.