Members of the general public received vital education on their constitutional right to access public information during a live televised sensitization program broadcast on Royal Television (Rtv) on
The educational session was spearheaded by three key Right to Information (RTI) Officers — Mr. Emmanuel Asare of the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly, Miss Janet Gaisie of the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly, and Mr. Samuel Agyemang Duah from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.
The live program focused on Article 21(1)(f) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), aiming to deepen public understanding of the practical applications of the law and how it strengthens democratic governance.
Speaking on the program, the RTI officers explained that Act 989, which came into effect in 2019, legally entitles every Ghanaian citizen to request and obtain information from public institutions. This, they emphasized, is an essential tool for fostering transparency, accountability, and active civic participation.
The officers broke down the process through which individuals can make formal requests for public information, noting that the law obligates institutions to respond within a stipulated timeframe. They stressed that the RTI Act is a cornerstone in ensuring that governance is not shrouded in secrecy, but rather conducted in an open and participatory manner.
However, the program also delved into the limitations of the law. The officers elaborated on sections 5 to 16 of the RTI Act, which outline categories of information exempt from public disclosure. These include matters related to national security, public safety, and the economic interests of the state. The officers clarified that while transparency is crucial, these exemptions are designed to protect vital national interests and uphold the integrity and dignity of institutions and individuals alike.
The officers concluded by encouraging the public to utilize the provisions of the RTI Act responsibly and assured them of the readiness of RTI officers across the country to assist in accessing non-exempt public information.
