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.

The Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission (RTIC), Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. on 23rd April, 2024 paid a working visit to the Ashanti Regional Minister to initiate a partnership aimed at advancing the implementation of the Right to Information law (ACT 989).

Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, along with the Coordinating Director, Emelia Botchwey, warmly welcomed the RTIC team and expressed their appreciation for recognizing the potential impact of this collaborative effort. The meeting discussed strategies to reinforce the Right to Information law, which guarantees citizens access to public information and enhances transparency and accountability in governance.

The partnership between the RTIC and the Ashanti Regional Minister’s office holds significant promise for promoting good governance and empowering citizens to exercise their right to access information. With both institutions working in unison, this collaboration aims to expedite the implementation of the Right to Information law across the region.

Present at the meeting were; Mr. Kofi Sarpong, Stephen Owusu Esq., Mr. Vincent Bediako Appau, and Ms. Akosua Serwah Sarpong of RTIC. Additionally, Gloria Temmah Gambrah, the Special Assistant for the Minister, participated in the discussions.

On 27th March, 2024, the RTI Commission participated in a public forum organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa, focusing on Countering Mis/Disinformation and Propaganda Narratives in the 2024 Elections in Ghana. The event took place at the Accra International Conference Center and was attended by various stakeholders including the Minister for Information Designate, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, and representatives from the British High Commission to Ghana and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

During the forum, a presentation was delivered by Kwaku Krobea Asante, the Lead of Fact-Check Ghana, on the topic of Mis/Disinformation and Indecent Languages in the Context of the 2020 elections. The presentation shed light on the prevalence of false information and inappropriate language used during the electoral period, emphasizing the need to counteract such practices in future elections.

Following the presentation, a panel discussion was held, moderated by Alfred Ocansey from Media General. The panelists engaged in a constructive dialogue on various strategies to Counter Mis/Disinformation, Hate Speech, and Propaganda Narratives in the 2024 Elections in Ghana. It was a platform for diverse perspectives and recommendations from stakeholders, aiming to promote fair and credible electoral processes.

A representative of the RTI Commission, Michael Duodu-Sakyiama took the opportunity to encourage institutions to proactively disclose information to limit the spread of Mis/Disinformation and also informed participants that access to information is a right and hence they should make use of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) to request for information from Public Institutions instead of dwelling on speculative information.

The participation of the RTI Commission in this public forum highlights the Commission’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information. As the country prepares for the 2024 elections, it is crucial to address the challenges posed by mis/disinformation effectively.

This forum by Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) is commendable as it helps promote peace and stability in the Country.

Strengthening the nationwide implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) laws in Ghana, the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission of Ghana, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., met with the Director for Freedom of Information and Transparency of England, Mr. Warren Seddon, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. The meeting took place at the Information Commissioners office in England, facilitating an exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of information access and transparency.

The primary objective behind this visit was to foster a mutual learning environment, whereby both institutions could gain valuable insight into their respective legal frameworks. While Ghana has made significant strides in enacting RTI laws, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in England has already implemented corresponding regulations on access to information. Thus, the RTI Commission of Ghana is keen to adapt and learn from the Information Commissioner’s office in England and explore innovative ways to fortify the Commission’s operations and serve the people of Ghana more effectively.

Today, we celebrate the strength, courage, and achievements of women everywhere. Let’s continue to break the bias, empower women, and press for progress towards gender equality. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl can thrive!

As part of a fact-finding mission on Ghanaian Parliamentary Operations by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in partnership with the House of Democracy Partnership (HDP), a delegation from NDI and HDP visited the Right to Information Commission on February 22, 2024. The visit aimed to deepen the delegation’s understanding of the information landscape in Ghana, current threats to transparency, and how government institutions are working to promote access to public information and also allow HDP, NDI, International Republican Institute (IRI) and U. S. Congressional staff to learn more about the internal operations, relationships with outside organizations like the RTI Commission.

The Executive Secretary for the Right to Information Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., and the General Manager for Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Mr. Kofi Amoah Sarpong, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Commission and engaged them in a productive discussion about the Commission’s efforts since 2020 to implement the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).

During the meeting, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about the Commission’s strategies to enhance public awareness of the right to information, streamline its processes, and establish regional offices to facilitate information access across the country. These efforts exemplify Ghana’s commitment to strengthening transparency and promoting good governance.

Ghana has made significant strides in recent years to improve access to public information, and the visit by the NDI and HDP delegation offers an excellent opportunity to showcase these advancements.

As Ghana continues to prioritize transparency and access to public information, engagement with international institutions like the NDI, HDP, and the International Republican Institute (IRI) provide valuable insights and expertise. The fruitful exchange of ideas between the delegation and the Right to Information Commission will undoubtedly contribute to Ghana’s democratic development and strengthen its reputation as a leader in promoting accountability and transparency in governance.

On February 15, 2024, another step towards promoting transparency and accountability was taken as the International Republican Institute (IRI) Ghana, led by its Resident Programs Director, Sunday Afolabi Alao, paid a working visit to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission. This meeting aimed to explore an important partnership that would empower Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media houses at the regional level to understand and use the RTI law to exact greater accountability from public institutions and improve governance in Ghana.

IRI Ghana proposed a collaboration with the RTI Commission to identify and develop the capacity of CSOs, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills to access vital information. In addition, media personnel from various media houses would be engaged and trained to effectively disseminate information regarding the process of accessing public data. The partnership would entail sensitizing government agencies about the importance of providing information to the public and fostering public understanding about government affairs.

The Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., emphasized that the Commission already implements extensive sensitization initiatives to promote the RTI law. However, he also acknowledged that partnerships, such as the proposed one with IRI Ghana, would significantly extend the Commission’s outreach efforts to a wider audience. He wholeheartedly assured IRI Ghana of the Commission’s commitment to collaboration.

IRI Ghana’s partnership with the RTI Commission sets a commendable example of collaboration towards a common goal. By building the capacity of CSOs, training media personnel, and sensitizing government agencies, the initiative will actively promote the principles of transparency and accountability across Ghana.

This timely collaboration will not only strengthen the implementation of the RTI law, but also contribute to the overall democratic development of the nation. By empowering citizens with knowledge and facilitating the flow of information, this partnership lays the foundation for informed decision-making and an engaged citizenry.

The collective efforts of the RTI Commission, International Republican Institute (IRI) Ghana, and other stakeholders will undoubtedly pave the way for an improved governance system, where citizens are empowered, informed, and actively participate in shaping their nation.

In a significant move towards enhancing transparency, combating misinformation and disinformation, as well as empowering investigative journalists in the fight against corruption, the Right to Information Commission of Ghana held discussions with representatives of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Ghana on 7th February, 2024. The discussions focused on dovetailing some programmes of the Commission with outlined policies of the EU toward building a more transparent and accountable democracy in Ghana.

During the meeting, the Commission, led by its Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. emphasised the importance of securing financial support from the EU to engage with Parliament on the Commission’s Draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.). This L. I. aims to bolster the Commission’s existing framework and ensure its effectiveness in advocating for the right to information. With the EU’s backing, the Commission endeavours to demand greater government accountability and promote access to information will be strengthened.

Recognizing the looming challenge of misinformation and disinformation, especially during the upcoming 2024 election and future electoral processes, the Right to Information Commission sought to forge a partnership with the EU. By collaborating, both entities can jointly combat the spread of false information and promote accurate and reliable sources of news. This collaboration holds immense significance for upholding transparency, ensuring fair democratic processes, and fostering an informed electorate.

Additionally, the meeting also touched on the important issue of fighting corruption by empowering investigative journalists. This highlights the European Union and the Commission’s recognition of the vital role that journalists play in exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable. By supporting and empowering investigative journalists, the Commission can contribute to the overall fight against corruption in Ghana.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Right to Information Commission, including its Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., Francis Wayem, and Michael Sakyiama, along with the European Union in Ghana, comprising Anna Lixi, Head of Section, Jeanne Piere, and Joseph Bogrebon Allan.