The Right to Information Commission of the Republic of Ghana has climaxed its RTI week celebration 2022 with a public lecture on 28th September, 2022 at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Accra.

On the 8th September, 2022, the Right to Information Commission launched its RTI week celebration for the year 2022 and outlined activities that the Commission sought to undertake as part of its Right to Information week celebration climaxing it with a public lecture and that coincides with the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) which is set aside by the United Nations to celebrate Access to Information across the globe.

This year’s IDUAI celebration is themed: “Artificial Intelligence, E-Governance and Access to Information”. This is aimed at encouraging institutions and individuals to appreciate the use of technology to enhance easy access to information all in a bid to push for greater participation of the public in our governance system.

The Chairman for the Right to Information Commission, Justice K. A. Ofori-Atta in his opening remarks implored participants to make good use of technology despite the challenges one may face in adopting in to the technological world. He reiterated that IDUAI offers a befitting platform to join hands with the rest of the world, under auspices of the United Nations Organisation, to commemorate the right of access to information and admitted that, the theme for the celebration is very apt since it align the Commission’s thinking with the current trends of the technological era.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., who is the Executive Secretary of the Commission admonished that, the theme: ” Artificial Intelligence, E-Governance and Access to Information ” offers an opportunity for stakeholders of right to information to focus deliberations on dominant technological trend that affects every facet of life and thus, the Commission relied on the theme for its RTI week celebration for 2022.

Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., implored that Artificial Intelligence should be incorporated into school curricula to equip future generation since estimates suggest that, by 2065, 65% of children in primary school will work in positions that have not yet been created. He further indicated that, persons with disability are mostly disadvantaged. However, with the use of artificial intelligence, they stand to benefit greatly in the governance process.

The Executive Secretary concluded by saying AI is able to predict loopholes and also makes it easier to reduce errors and so, it is the mandate of public institutions to develop the necessary tools to assist the nation in e-governance.

The Deputy Minister for Attorney General and Justice, Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, Mr. Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana and Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo (UNESCO Ghana Representative) commended the RTI Commission for their great work even with limited resources. They equally pledged their support to the Commission in all they do.

Dr. Nafisa Mahama who represented the Minister of Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah emphasised that the Ministry of Information recognises the support of all stakeholders in making sure that the implementation of the RTI law is smooth in Ghana.