In a significant step toward fostering transparency and accountability within the public sector, the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions (MELR) held a comprehensive training on the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Led by Sadick Nana Nyarko, the ministry’s dedicated RTI officer, the two-day event which took place on November 28th and 29th, 2024, aimed to educate staff members on the importance of information rights and their role in ensuring open governance. This initiative underscored the ministry’s commitment to creating a culture of transparency and equipping its workforce with the tools necessary to uphold the principles of the RTI Act.
The training sessions, held at the MELR conference hall, were designed to equip participants with an in-depth understanding of the RTI Act. Key topics included how to process information requests, identify exempt information, and uphold legal obligations while promoting the flow of public information. Facilitators Genevieve Mawuena Wutoh and Sosthenes Senanu Nyardroh, both experts in the field, provided engaging presentations, emphasizing the law’s vital role in empowering citizens and promoting democratic governance. Wutoh highlighted, “Knowledge is power, and when we are informed, we can make better decisions and hold ourselves accountable.”
Interactive discussions throughout the training gave participants an opportunity to address their concerns and share experiences. The facilitators expertly clarified doubts and demonstrated the practical applications of the RTI Act through real-life case studies and role-playing scenarios. Participants learned how to effectively handle information requests while ensuring compliance with the law’s protocols. The sessions also underscored the importance of RTI officers in the government’s operations, with Nyardroh emphasizing that they should be integrated into all departmental activities to ensure seamless information flow.
By the end of the two-day program, the staff left the MELR conference hall empowered and motivated to implement the lessons learned. One participant remarked, “This training has opened my eyes to the crucial role we play in ensuring that information flows freely. It’s more than just a legal obligation; it’s about serving the public and fostering trust.” The initiative not only equipped staff with the necessary skills to handle RTI requests but also instilled a sense of civic responsibility, fostering a culture of openness and accountability within the ministry. As Sadick Nana Nyarko aptly put it, “Informed employees are the backbone of an informed society, and together, we can champion the cause of transparency.”
