The Management and Staff of the Right to Information Commission (RTIC), on Thursday, 21st May 2026, commemorated Open Gov Week with a deliberative forum aimed at deepening discussions on transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and open governance within Ghana’s democratic framework.

Open Gov Week, observed globally from 18th to 22nd May, marks fifteen (15) years since the establishment of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global movement dedicated to promoting transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance systems.

Held at the Commission’s Head Office in Dzorwulu, Accra, the engagement brought together Management and Staff to reflect on the importance of open governance and the Commission’s role in advancing democratic accountability through the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).

Present at the engagement were the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Esq.; the Technical Advisor to the Executive Secretary, Mr. Kweku Sersah-Johnson; the Board Secretary, Ms. Christine Yieleh-Chireh; Management; and Staff of the Commission.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Esq., emphasized that access to information must not be treated as a privilege, but upheld as a fundamental right essential to accountability, citizen empowerment, and democratic development.

She further noted that the Commission’s commitments under Ghana’s 5th National Action Plan (NAP 5), including support for the passage of the Regulations to operationalize the Right to Information Act, development of public education materials, and intensified awareness creation programmes, represent practical steps toward building a governance culture anchored on openness and public participation.

The Executive Secretary also stressed that transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and openness must first be embedded within the internal culture of institutions if they are to be effectively promoted across the public sector. She encouraged staff to continue contributing meaningfully toward strengthening implementation and ensuring that open governance principles translate into tangible outcomes for citizens.

The event featured a presentation by Mr. Michael Duodu-Sakyima on the role of the Commission in advancing open governance and the status of commitments being implemented by the Commission under Ghana’s 5th National Action Plan.

A panel discussion on the theme, “Towards an Open Governance System: The Role of the Right to Information Commission,” formed a major highlight of the programme. The session was moderated by Ms. Audrey Odjeawo and featured panelists including Mr. Steven Jones (Transport Department), Mr. Andrew Adu Boahene (Enforcement, Investigation & Compliance), Mr. Rene Dwamenah (Information Unit), and Mr. Kaynaj Nyameye Adjei (PPBME).

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to championing initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and citizens’ right to access information in furtherance of open governance and democratic development in Ghana.