The implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) continues to gain momentum at the local level as the Birim North District Assembly intensified public education on citizens’ right to access information. On April 29, 2026, the District Information Officer led a sensitisation exercise for teaching staff of Nkwarteng Islamic Basic School aimed at deepening awareness of the RTI Law and promoting transparency and accountability in public administration. The engagement formed part of the Assembly’s ongoing public awareness campaign to strengthen understanding of the legal framework underpinning access to information in Ghana.
During the session, participants were educated on the procedures for requesting information from public institutions, including the manner and form of application, timelines for response, applicable fees, offences and sanctions under the Act, as well as exemptions provided by the law. The Information Officer highlighted the critical role of the RTI Law in fostering open governance and empowering citizens to actively participate in democratic processes through informed decision-making. Teachers were also encouraged to make use of the law responsibly to demand accountability and transparency from public and relevant private institutions.
Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions provided participants with the opportunity to share concerns and observations regarding the implementation of the RTI Act. Key issues raised included the dangers of classifying entire categories of information as confidential, the need for virtual access options to complement physical access to information, and the challenges posed by inadequate logistics and operational support for effective RTI implementation. Participants noted that improving access mechanisms and strengthening institutional capacity would help minimize misinformation and reinforce public trust in state institutions.
The sensitisation exercise concluded with recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of RTI implementation across the district. Participants advocated for the disclosure of semi-confidential information where appropriate to boost public confidence, the adoption of virtual access systems to make information requests more convenient, and the provision of adequate resources to support Information Officers in executing their duties effectively. The engagement underscored the importance of sustained community education and the pivotal role Information Officers play in promoting a culture of openness, transparency, and accountability in Ghana’s governance system.
