A delegation from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) paid a working visit to the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) on June 20th, 2024, to discuss the implementation of the 5th National Action Programme (NAP5) and Ghana’s potential leadership role in OGP activities in Africa.

The visit aimed to enhance access to information through the right to information law and explore ways for Ghana to take a leading role in OGP activities in Africa. The delegation expressed interest in the passage of the Commission’s Regulations for the Legislative Instrument (LI), a key activity under NAP5, and proposed new frameworks for engagement to promote OGP activities beyond the Executive arm of government.

The Executive Secretary of RTIC, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., updated the delegation on the progress made towards preparing the Regulations for the LI and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring its passage. He also suggested routing the request for Ghana to take a leading role in OGP activities through the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC) and extended an invitation to the OGP to participate in the upcoming International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) commemoration in Ghana.

The visit marked an important step in strengthening the collaboration between OGP and RTIC, with implications for enhancing good Governance, Transparency, Accountability, mitigating corrupt practices and demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to ensuring the successful implementation of NAP5 and promoting access to information in Ghana and Africa.

The delegation led by Thelma Ohene Asiamah, Director at the Public Sector Reform Secretariat and local representative of OGP, included Tarik Nesh-Nash, Coordinator for Africa and the Middle East for OGP, Mukelani Dimba, Information Regulator from South Africa, and Ato Bessa-Simon, Programme Officer at the Public Sector Reforms Secretariat, was received by the Executive Secretary and other management members of the Commission.

Day 2 of the 15th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) commenced with an address by Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, Commissioner for National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI) of Mexico, recapping Day 1 and outlining expectations for Day 2. The day proceeded with working groups focused on enhancing access to information worldwide.

The ICIC working groups tackled various topics, including the Transparency by Design Working Group, presented by Warren Seddon, Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Freedom of Information (FOI) Director and Cibelle Brasil, Access to Information Director, Director of Brazil, which discussed reporting on transparency. The Training Working Group, led by Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, presented on digital training platforms. The Law Cases Working Group, led by Adrián Alcalá Méndez, delved into relevant cases, while the Gender and People in Vulnerable Situations Working Group, led by María Gracia Andía, presented on access to information for vulnerable groups.

A panel discussion on the future of the ICIC conference was moderated by Toby Mendel, featuring panelists were Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, INAI Chairperson, Andrew Ecclestone – Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington Daren Fitzhenry – Information Commissioner’s Office, UK and Pansy Tlakula – South Africa Information Regulator and African Network of Information Commissions chairperson.

They discussed the conference’s impact and future directions. The host nation for the 16th ICIC conference in 2025 was announced as Germany.

The Right to Information Commission of Ghana is actively participating in the conference, engaging with international experts and sharing experiences in promoting transparency and accountability. The Commission’s participation demonstrates its commitment to upholding the right to information and promoting open governance in Ghana.

The Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Ghana is participating in the 15th International Conference of Information Commissioners in Albania from 3rd June, 2024 to 5th June, 2024. The conference brings together Information Commissioners from around the world to share best practices and discuss challenges in promoting access to information and transparency.

The Ghanaian delegation, led by the Board Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Rtd) K.A. Ofori Atta, includes Deputy Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., and General Manager for Tribunal, Ms. Vivian Tetteh. On the first day of the conference, participants heard opening speeches from Commissioner Besnik Dervishi, Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDP), the National Supervisory Authority of the Republic of Albania and ICIC Host Authority 2024 and Adrian Alcalá Méndez, on behalf of National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection’s (INAI’s) Chairperson and ICIC chairperson, as well as a welcome address from Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama.

Keynote speakers were Giuseppe Busia, President of the National Anti-Corruption Authority, Italy and Darian Pavli, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights who gave his speech virtually. The panel discussions which took place after the keynote addresses discussed topics such as Empowering Vulnerable Groups through Access to Information and The Role of Civil Society and the Media in promoting Access to Information and Transparency. Parallel sessions focused on Proactive transparency through digital tools and open data initiatives and Striking a balance between Access To Information (ATI) and data protection rights in the digital realm. A UNESCO panel discussed “Mid-way through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda: Monitoring and Reporting on SDG 16.10.2”, a goal related to ensuring public access to information.

The conference provides a valuable opportunity for the Right to Information Commission of Ghana to learn from international experiences and share its own best practices in promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana.

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!