Residents of Atiwa East District were given vital insights into their constitutional right to information and protection of privacy during a live radio sensitization program on Okyeman Radio (OM), held on March 27, 2025. The educative session, a collaboration between the Information Services Department (ISD) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), focused on the practical implications of Article 18 of the 1992 Constitution and the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), especially in an era of increasing digital surveillance.
Speaking on the show, Mr. Joseph Abegko, the District Director of CHRAJ, highlighted the growing threats to personal privacy due to modern technologies such as social media, email phishing, mobile tracking apps, and online surveillance tools. He cautioned the public against falling prey to anonymous messages promising fake rewards or job opportunities, which often seek to harvest personal or financial data. He emphasized that while privacy is a constitutional right, certain exceptions apply in the interest of justice, national security, and public welfare.
Reinforcing these points, the designated RTI Officer, Mr. Prince Obeng Donkor, explained that the RTI Act ensures citizens’ access to public information while safeguarding private and sensitive data. He detailed exemptions under Sections 13, 15, and 16 of the Act, which protect communications such as medical records, legal counsel exchanges, spousal messages, and personal affairs of individuals, living or deceased. These provisions, he noted, balance the public’s right to know with the necessity of preserving individual dignity and institutional integrity.
Mr. Donkor encouraged residents to handle sensitive personal matters face-to-face and avoid unverified digital communications. He urged them to utilize the legal RTI request process when seeking official information from public institutions. By relying on designated information officers, communities can build trust, access accurate data, and participate more effectively in local development. The session not only demystified the RTI Law but also empowered residents to take proactive steps in defending their privacy and promoting transparent governance.
