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.