Month: September 2023

On September 24, 2023, the Right to Information Commission organized an exciting and informative quiz show, “What Do You Know?,” as part of the RTI Month celebration on GTV. The show aimed to raise awareness about the RTI law (Act 989) among the public. With its entertaining format and knowledgeable participants, the quiz served as an effective means of educating viewers about their rights and the importance of transparent governance.

The quiz, hosted by the Mr. Dan Afari Yeboah, featured contestants from the Business and Financial Times, Fourth Estate and Information Officers. The intense competition showcased the contestants’ understanding of key aspects of the RTI law.

After an exhilarating rounds of questions, both groups of Information Officers secured 1st and 2nd positions with 3rd and 4th positions going to the Fourth Estate and Business and Financial Times respectively, showcasing their impressive knowledge on Act 989.

The Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., emphasized that the quiz was a valuable opportunity to engage the public and create awareness about the RTI law as part of the Commission’s month long celebration. By promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the law empowers citizens to access information and hold public institutions accountable.

Through events like the “What Do You Know?” quiz, the Right to Information Commission strives to ensure that the RTI law becomes ingrained in the society. It not only encourages citizens to exercise their right to access information but also encourages government institutions to proactively disclose pertinent information.

The success of this quiz reflects the growing understanding and appreciation for the RTI law among various stakeholders. It serves as a catalyst for citizens to demand transparency and accountability while fostering a culture of openness and trust.

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) held a Health Walk and games as part of its RTI Month 2023 celebration. The event took place on September 16, 2023, and saw members of the Commission as well as other stakeholders in the RTI space converge for a day of fitness and sociability.

The Health Walk started from the premises of the RTI Commission and saw participants walking the streets of Accra towards the PRESEC Odadeɛ Alumni Astroturf, Legon. The walk was aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging people to exercise regularly.

Following the Health Walk was a series of Health screening such as Hepatitis B, Eye screening, Malaria screening, Sugar Level, Breast screening, etc., conducted by MDS-Lancet, My Eye Center, Sena Anku Memorial Foundation among others.

There were series of games, with football taking center stage.
The competition saw the RTI Commission’s football team go head-to-head with Ghanaweb in the final game to determine the overall winners. After a hard-fought battle, Ghanaweb emerged victorious, winning the gaming competition.

The event was not only about promoting a healthy lifestyle, but also about fostering a sense of community and bringing stakeholders in the RTI space together. The RTIC has been at the forefront of pushing for transparency and accountability in Ghana, and events like this go a long way in building relationships with those who share in the vision of Accountability and Transparency.

Furthermore, the RTI Month serves as a reminder of the importance of the Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989), which grants citizens access to information held by public institutions. It is an essential law that promotes Transparency and Accountability and helps to fight corruption.

The RTI Month 2023 celebration health walk and games was a huge success, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and promote a healthy lifestyle while fostering togetherness. The RTIC will undoubtedly continue to push for the promotion of Transparency and Accountability in Ghana, and events like this serve as a reminder of Commission’s commitment to that goal.

The Right to Information Commission in Ghana marked a significant milestone in its RTI Month 2023 celebration by convening a stakeholders’ engagement session on the 14th of September 2023 to discuss the Draft Legislative Instrument (L.I) at the British Council in Accra.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including Civil Society Organizations, Government Officials, Representatives of the National Council of Persons with Disability (NCPD), and members of the public.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Board Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta. His words set the tone for a productive and inclusive discussion.

Under the guidance of the Board chairman, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, and the Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the stakeholders actively participated in deliberations on the proposed L.I. This crucial instrument aims to strengthen the right to information in Ghana, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

During the session, participants provided valuable inputs and recommendations on various aspects of the L.I. Discussions revolved around the scope of information covered, procedures for accessing information, manner of access, application reviews, penalties for non-compliance, proactive disclosure, and effective implementation mechanisms among others.

The Commission assured stakeholders that their valuable feedback would be carefully evaluated and integrated into the final version of the L.I. This collaborative approach will contribute to the development of a robust legal framework that upholds the right to information in Ghana.

The vote of thanks was given by Nana Kwame Duah, a Board Member of the Commission, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their time and dedication to the cause of transparency. The closing remarks were given by Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, who reiterated the importance of collaboration and encouraged everyone to continue working together for a more accountable and open society.

By involving stakeholders in the formation of legislation, the Commission is ensuring that the interests and concerns of all parties are addressed. This engagement sets a positive precedent for future discussions and reinforces the importance of dialogue and collaboration in building a stronger democracy.

The stakeholders’ engagement showcased the dedication of the Right to Information Commission in fostering transparency and citizen empowerment. It exemplified the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered in shaping the final L.I.

The Right to Information (RTI) Commission on the 31st of August, 2023 officially launched its much-anticipated RTI Month celebration, taking place throughout the month of September. This year’s theme, “The Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information,” seeks to highlight the increasing relevance of digital platforms in ensuring information accessibility.

The Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta in his opening remarks emphasized the importance of the RTI Act and encouraged further collaboration between the Commission and the media.

The press statement, read by Deputy Chairperson Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, signaled the unwavering commitment of the Commission to fostering transparency and accountability.

The Commission outlined plans to engage with stakeholders in various ways during this month-long celebration with activities such as Churches and Mosques Engagement, a Stakeholders’ Engagement on September 14th, Health Walk and Games on September 16th, and a Quiz on Act 989 on September 24th. The celebration will be climaxed with a public lecture on September 28th, 2023 marking the International Day of Universal Access (IDUA) to Information. There will also be media interviews with various media houses throughout the month.

The RTI Month celebration will serve as yet another avenue for the Commission to interact and engage with its stakeholders, raising public awareness about the significance of information access.

Mr. David Oppon-Kusi, a Board Member of the Commission in his closing remarks, stressed the necessity for sustained media coverage of RTI-related matters.

Join us celebrate RTI Month 2023 and let’s unlock the power of information access together!