In a decisive move to enhance transparency and promote open governance, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has successfully completed a comprehensive Right to Information (RTI) training program for its staff. Spearheaded by the RTI Desk Officer, Hannah-Joy Amissah, the 12-day training, which took place from March 17 to 25, 2025, focused on building the capacity of RTI-designated officers across the cocoa regions. The initiative aims to ensure that COCOBOD is fully equipped to comply with the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989), and to facilitate public access to timely and accurate information.
The RTI Act, passed in 2019 and operational since 2020, mandates public institutions to make information readily accessible to the public as a constitutional right. Recognizing this, COCOBOD has designated officers in all cocoa-producing regions to serve as liaisons for RTI requests. These trained officers will act as the first point of contact for information seekers and will ensure that requests are properly documented and processed efficiently through the central RTI Desk at the organization’s headquarters.
During the training, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering the legal framework of the RTI Act, procedures for handling information requests, and best practices for upholding transparency and accountability. This initiative not only strengthens COCOBOD’s internal capacity but also fosters a culture of openness in Ghana’s vital cocoa sector. By equipping 219 staff members, including 10 key RTI Desk officers, the program has laid the groundwork for a more responsive and accessible institution.
Participants expressed strong enthusiasm throughout the training, signaling their readiness to put their knowledge into practice. COCOBOD’s proactive steps in institutionalizing the RTI framework underscore its commitment to building trust with stakeholders and enhancing public confidence. This marks a significant milestone in aligning with national efforts to uphold good governance and the fundamental right of access to information.
