Author: RTI IT

In a bid to empower individuals and promote transparency, the Right to Information Commission organized a public lecture at the Damango Community Center in the Savannah Region on November 7, 2023. The lecture aimed to enlighten Heads of Institutions and the general public about the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) and how it can be utilized to exercise their right of access to information.

Addressing the attendees, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, the Chairman of the Commission, emphasized the significance of this Act in fostering an informed society. He highlighted the fundamental principles of openness, accountability, and transparency upon which Act 989 was founded.

Taking the stage next, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the Executive Secretary of the Commission, delved into the intricacies of the Act, guiding participants on how to effectively use it to access information. He emphasized the importance of citizens being aware of their right to information, as well as the processes involved in making formal requests. Knowledge of such procedures can empower individuals to confidently seek information that impacts their lives and communities.

Hon. Saeed Jibril, the Regional Minister’s representative, echoed this sentiment and stressed the value of exercising our right to information. He reminded everyone that knowledge is power and encouraged them to utilize Act 989 to their advantage. By doing so, individuals can hold institutions accountable, improve decision-making processes, and foster a culture of transparency.

Nana Kwame Duah, a Member of the Board, delivered closing remarks, highlighting the transformative potential of the Right to Information Act. He underlined the importance of citizens actively engaging with the legislation and the responsibility of institutions to provide the information that is requested.

Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Commission and acknowledged the efforts of all participants in attending the event. She encouraged attendees to utilize the knowledge gained to exercise their right to information effectively.

Overall, the public lecture served as a vital platform for citizens and institutional heads to familiarize themselves with Act 989. Armed with this knowledge, individuals can actively participate in shaping their communities, holding institutions accountable, and contributing to the nation’s development. The Right to Information Act is a powerful tool, and its effective use will undoubtedly contribute to a more transparent and progressive society.

In a notable move to strengthen ties and garner support for its upcoming Regional Sensitisation Programme on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) in Damango, the Right to Information(RTI) Commission paid a special visit to the King of Gonja Kingdom and President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I on the November 6, 2023. The purpose of the visit was to officially inform him about the Commission’s activities and seek his blessings.

The Commission was met with warm hospitality, as the Yagbonwura graciously welcomed them alongside 20 Paramount chiefs and Islamic chiefs under his leadership. Expressing his delight at the inclusive composition of the Commission’s Board, which includes both males and females as well as traditional representation, the Yagbonwura praised the Commission for its visionary efforts.

During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., provided the Yagbonwura with a briefing on the Commission’s works. This gesture showcased the Commission’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of all segments of society are heard and respected.

In a remarkable demonstration of support and commitment to the Commission’s work, the Yagbonwura pledged assistance in securing an office space for the Commission in the Savannah Region. Furthermore, he honored the Board Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, by presenting him with an original Yagbon smock, a symbol of high regard and appreciation.

The visit by the RTI Commission to the Gonja Kingdom signifies an important step towards fostering strong partnerships with traditional leaders and involving them in the implementation of Act 989. The Commission is tasked with promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across the country.

As the Commission continues its efforts to educate and sensitize communities, their visit to the Gonja Kingdom highlights the significance of local support and collaboration in achieving their goals. The gesture from the Yagbonwura showcases his commitment to championing the rights of his people and advancing the principles of openness and transparency.

The Commission proceeded to call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Jibril. In his absence, the Commission was received by the Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Yaw Adu-Asamoah who assured the Commission of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment in the implementation of the Right to Information law.

Among other members of the Commission who were present are, Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Nana Kwame Duah, a Member of the Board, Management and staff of the Commission.

In a significant step towards promoting transparency and open governance, representatives from Ghana and other international stakeholders gathered at the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2023 conference in Oxford, United Kingdom on September 28, 2023. This momentous event aimed to explore innovative strategies to ensure universal access to information and drive socio-economic development.

Among the distinguished participants were Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission of Ghana, and Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi and Ghana’s Information Minister. Their presence not only highlighted Ghana’s commitment to fostering transparent governance but also demonstrated the country’s proactive role in the global access to information movement.

The IDUAI 2023 conference was the recognition that access to information is a fundamental right that underpins democracy, good governance, and sustainable development. It empowers citizens, supports evidence-based decision-making, and enhances accountability.

The conference served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and dialogue as participants discussed topics based on this year’s theme: “THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ONLINE SPACE FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION.” Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. provided valuable insights into the country’s journey in using the online space to making information accessible to the public in promoting transparency and accountability. He also admonished the need for stakeholders to collaborate and address the challenges that the online space comes with, such inadequate infrastructure, the risk of misinformation and disinformation.

Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, serving as Ghana’s Information Minister contributed his perspectives on the role of government of Ghana in enabling access to information. Highlighting Ghana’s commitment, he emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to create an enabling environment that upholds the right to information while fostering public trust and participation in governance.

With Ghana’s Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission and Information Minister at the forefront, the event showcased the country’s dedication to transparency and its aim to become a beacon of democratic governance.

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!

In our quest to promote transparency and foster an accountable governance system, the Right to Information Commission held a public lecture on July 25th, 2023, at Cape Coast University’s SMS Auditorium. The event focused on enlightening the public about their Right to Access Information and the role of the Commission in upholding this right as mandated by the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).

Justice (Rtd) K. A. Ofori-Atta, Chairman of the Commission, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of the Right to Information Act and its potential to drive societal development. He emphasized that access to information is a fundamental human right and serves as the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. His remarks underscored the need for government institutions to proactively share information to ensure public trust and confidence.

The Central Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Kingsley Agyei Boahene, on behalf of the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Marigold Assan, delivered the welcome address. He expressed gratitude to the commission for organizing the event and recognized the crucial role played by the Right to Information Commission in promoting accountability within the government. His address highlighted the significance of government officials and heads of various institutions actively supporting and abiding by the act at all levels.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Act, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., a presentation and explored the nuances of Act 989, elucidating key provisions and its implications for both individuals and institutions. This session proved to be an invaluable tool for disseminating essential knowledge and empowering attendees to exercise their rights confidently.

Furthermore, the interactive Questions and Answers session that followed proved to be a forum for robust and insightful discussions. Attendees eagerly raised queries and sought clarification, fostering an environment of active engagement and intellectual curiosity.

The public lecture was a remarkable achievement for the Right to Information Commission, serving as a commendable effort to sensitize the public and foster a culture of accountability and transparency. By empowering individuals and institutions to exercise their right to access information, the Commission ensures that citizens are equipped with the necessary tools to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.

The public lecture on the Right to Information Act, 2019, was a resounding success, serving as a clarion call for accountability and transparency. Through the collective efforts of citizens and institutions, we can foster an environment in which access to information is respected and upheld, ultimately paving the way for a more accountable and participatory society.

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.