In a bid to deepen awareness and promote a culture of transparency and accountability, the West Akim Information Services Department organized a sensitization program on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), for teachers and pupils of the Asamankese Freeman Methodist Junior High School on February 19, 2025. The initiative, part of the department’s 2025 outreach campaign, aims to educate public school communities across the municipality on the relevance and application of the RTI law.
During the session, Mr. Daniel Enchill, the RTI Officer at the West Akim Municipal Assembly, provided a comprehensive overview of Act 989, including its background, procedures for requesting information, and the benefits of utilizing the law. He emphasized the importance of early civic education, urging students and staff to begin exercising their right to information as a step towards becoming responsible citizens. “Understanding the RTI Act empowers individuals to actively participate in governance and hold public institutions accountable,” he noted.
Highlighting the significance of transparency in public administration, Mr. Enchill reiterated that the RTI Act remains a critical tool for ensuring effective governance and resource management. He stressed that the role of information officers is central to operationalizing the law and fostering a responsive system within public institutions. “Without access to information, citizens cannot fully engage in national development. The RTI Act provides the framework for this engagement,” he said.
The presentation was interactive and well-received by participants. Mr. Bismark Ayi, Head Teacher of the school, expressed gratitude to the team for their efforts in educating the school community. He recommended that similar outreach programs be extended to other basic schools within the municipality to reinforce knowledge of Act 989 and its place in the 1992 Constitution. Also present at the event were Miss Abigail Ofori Mantey, Assistant Information Officer, and Mr. John Tandoh, Deputy Chief Information Assistant.
