A Local Event Report

Empowering Ghana: RTI Commission’s Outreach Ensures Nationwide Awareness of Act 989.- Benedicta Amegah


The Right To Information Commission is dedicated to ensuring accessibility to Act 989 for all Ghanaians, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in public administration. To achieve this goal, ongoing outreach efforts will be maintained to ensure widespread awareness and understanding of how to access the act.

Speaking at the third MediaTalk held at the African University College of Communications (AUCC) Auditorium in Adabraka, Stephen Owusu, Head of Legal, Governance, Regulatory, and Research at the Right to Information Commission, addressed communication students on the 'Implications, Provisions, and Limitations' of the RTI Law. He emphasized its pivotal role in guaranteeing transparency and accountability in government operations.

Mr. Owusu underscored the RTI's primary objectives, highlighting its contribution to fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment. He emphasized the RTI's role as a cornerstone for a well-informed public, facilitating more meaningful engagement in good governance.

While illustrating his points with real-life cases showcasing how the implementation of the RTI Law revealed crucial information and held authorities accountable, Mr. Owusu emphasized the importance of Ghanaians being knowledgeable about the provisions and effective use of the law.


Highlighting the three-year engagement of the RTI Commission with stakeholders in all regions and various higher learning institutions, including the University of Ghana and KNUST, Mr. Owusu stressed the significance of citizens' unrestricted access to information. He clarified that the RTI bill is accessible to everyone, including minors through adult guardians, and explained the straightforward application process.


However, he noted that certain restrictions, such as privacy issues, national security, and parliamentary privileges, limit the disclosure of specific information. Mr. Owusu emphasized the need to balance transparency with concerns for national security and individual privacy.


Addressing the cost associated with information requests, Mr. Owusu explained that while access to information is free, individuals may incur costs for reproducing requested information, covering processes like photocopying or scanning.


The event facilitated discussions on crucial aspects of the RTI law, sparking an interactive session where participants gained deeper insights. Attendees left with a heightened understanding of the law's dimensions, thanks to Mr. Owusu's informative presentation, fostering further discussions on strengthening this fundamental right in the African context.



https://mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/pbb-estimates/2021/2021-PBB-RTIC.pdf

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