Month: May 2024

In a significant achievement for Ghana and a testament to the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the Executive Secretary and a Member of the Governing Board of the Right to Information Commission of Ghana, has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the African Network of Information Commissions (ANIC).

The election took place on the 24th of May 2024 during the General Assembly meeting of ANIC held in Johannesburg, South Africa. This election highlights Yaw Sarpong Boateng’s expertise in the field of information governance and underscores Ghana’s leadership in promoting access to information and upholding the right to information.

ANIC plays a crucial role in advancing the implementation of access to information laws across the African continent. As Vice Chairperson, Yaw Sarpong Boateng will be at the forefront of shaping policies, fostering collaboration among member countries, and advocating for greater transparency in governance.

Under his leadership as the Executive Secretary, the RTI Commission of Ghana has been instrumental in ensuring that citizens have access to public information, holding public institutions accountable, and strengthening democratic principles in the country.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng’s election as Vice Chairperson of ANIC is not only a recognition of his individual capabilities but also a reflection of Ghana’s dedication to promoting good governance and transparency at both the national and continental levels. His wealth of experience and commitment to the principles of openness and accountability will undoubtedly contribute to the work of ANIC in advancing access to information rights in Africa.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng’s election as Vice Chairperson of ANIC is a proud moment for Ghana and a significant milestone in the promotion of access to information across the African continent. His leadership will undoubtedly inspire others to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability, paving the way for a more open and democratic society in Africa.

The Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Ghana paid a working visit to the Australian High Commission, Ghana on May 8th, 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways by which the two institutions could work together to promote the effective implementation of Ghana’s RTI Act.

The delegation from the RTI Commission was led by Mr. Kofi Sarpong, the General Manager for Policy Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation. He provided an overview of the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989) and the Commission’s efforts to sensitize citizens about the law.

The delegation was received by Penny Dennis, the Deputy High Commissioner, and Benito Woeko, the Political and Research Officer at the High Commission. Ms. Dennis commended the Commission’s massive work to ensure the law is properly utilized by the people, particularly the inclusion of some private organizations under the draft legislative instrument that is going to be passed into law.

Mr. Sarpong presented copies of the RTI Commission’s 5-year strategic plan and 2022 annual report to the High Commission’s to provide them with detailed information on the activities the RTI Commission has undertaken, and what it intends to do over the next five years. While noting that the High Commission is primarily focused on capacity building, Ms. Dennis expressed interest in engaging the RTI Commission through the Australian Public Service Commission’s online training programs and other capacity building opportunities for the staff of the RTI Commission.

The meeting concluded with the Australian High Commission assuring the RTI Commission of its support whenever possible, underscoring the importance of the RTI law and its effective implementation in Ghana.