On October 9, 2024, a sensitization session on the Right to Information (RTI) Act was held at the Human Factor Leadership Academy in Akatsi, aimed at educating students and staff on their right to access public information. Facilitated by Sophia Ansah-Awukubea, the Right to Information Officer for Akatsi South Municipal Assembly, the session sought to raise awareness about the importance of transparency, accountability, and the procedures for using the RTI Act effectively.
The primary objectives of the session were to introduce the RTI Act, explain the process of filing RTI requests, and emphasize the role of the Act in promoting good governance. Participants were guided on how to file formal RTI requests, including identifying the appropriate public institutions to approach, writing clear requests, and understanding the timelines for responses. Additionally, the session highlighted the rights of citizens to appeal decisions when their requests are denied, ensuring greater accountability from public authorities.
In a focused discussion, participants learned about the roles of public institutions in providing access to information and the benefits of proactive information disclosure. The session particularly underscored the RTI Act’s significance for students, demonstrating how they can use it to access valuable data for academic research, projects, and civic engagement. Real-life examples were shared, showing how the Act has supported educational and community progress by fostering transparency in public institutions.
The interactive segment of the session allowed students and staff to engage with the facilitator, raising questions about the distinction between public and private institutions under the RTI Act, how to handle unresponsive institutions and the role of RTI in enhancing youth activism. The session concluded with a stronger understanding of the RTI Act’s power to promote informed decision-making and empower the community, as many participants expressed interest in utilizing the Act to learn more about local governance and public affairs. This initiative marks an important step in fostering a more transparent, accountable society through education and awareness.
