Mr. Amenyo Foster, the Right to Information Officer from the Information Services Department (ISD) of the Ho West District Assembly, conducted an informative sensitization session for the Unit Committee members of the Yingor Area Council in Kpedze. The session emphasized the vital role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2019 (Act 989), which grants citizens a constitutional right to access information held by public institutions.
Mr. Foster highlighted how this legislation is essential for fostering transparency and accountability within a democratic society, encouraging community participation in governance. He presented a detailed outline of the obligations public institutions have under the RTI Act, ensuring that information remains accessible to citizens.
During the session, he explained the application process for requesting information, guiding attendees through the steps necessary for obtaining data. Mr. Foster also discussed the importance of protecting exempt information, as defined by Act 989, to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data while still enabling public access to essential information.
Importantly, he clarified that while accessing information is free, there might be costs related to reproducing documents. He also emphasized that individuals with disabilities and those identified as financially disadvantaged are exempt from these reproduction fees, a crucial provision of the RTI Act aimed at promoting inclusivity and ensuring equitable access to information.
Hon. Sulley Karim, Chairman of the Yingor Area Committee, expressed appreciation for the enlightening session and stressed the significance of such initiatives in empowering local communities. The successful sensitization efforts underscored the critical role of RTI officers like Mr. Foster in advancing a culture of transparency and accountability, ultimately boosting community development.
As these types of sessions continue to unfold across Ghana, the hope is to foster a more informed and actively engaged citizenry in the democratic process.
