ENHANCING MEDIA CAPACITY: EMPOWRING JOURNALISTS WITH THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT
In a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the nation, the ongoing Media Capacity Enhancement Programme, organized by the Ministry of Information, took a significant step forward with a focus on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989).
Yesterday, December 19, 2023 at the University of Media, Art and Communications (UniMAC), the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., shed light on the importance of the RTI Act. He emphasized the crucial role journalists play in promoting an informed society and ensuring government accountability.
During the event, George Sarpong Esq., the Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, discussed Media Law and Journalism Practice, with a highlight on the RTI Law. His comprehensive presentation shed light on the legal framework journalists must operate within while championing their profession.
Importantly, the dialogue between journalists present and those joining online was highly interactive. Journalists seized the opportunity to pose relevant questions to the speakers, gaining further clarity on the implementation and implications of the RTI Act.
The RTI Act, enacted in 2019, guarantees citizens’ access to information held by public institutions. With this legislation firmly in place, journalists can uncover truths, hold power accountable, and play a vital role in the nation-building process.
This Media Capacity Enhancement Programme serves as a significant platform for journalists to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to fulfill their journalistic responsibilities effectively. By familiarizing themselves with the legal framework and leveraging the RTI Act, journalists can act as the vigilant watchdogs of society, ensuring that the public’s right to know is protected.
As the programme continues, it is anticipated that journalists will emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with the RTI Act as a powerful tool to deliver unbiased news and contribute to the overall development of the nation.