In a bid to foster transparency and accountability within public service, selected staff of the Ghana News Agency’s (GNA) Human Resource and Administrative department were trained on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) on Friday, December 31, 2025. The session, led by the designated RTI Officer, took place in one of the agency’s administrative offices and aimed to deepen staff knowledge of the RTI law, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities in processing information requests. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing public sector transparency and making government operations more accessible to citizens.
The session provided a comprehensive overview of the RTI Act, focusing on the procedures for processing applications for information, as outlined in Section 19 of the Act. The RTI Officer highlighted the critical role of each officer in ensuring that requests for information are handled in a timely and efficient manner, in keeping with the law’s stipulation that responses should be provided within 14 working days. A notable aspect of the session was the emphasis on inclusivity, explaining that while written requests are the norm, oral requests are also permitted to accommodate individuals with literacy challenges or disabilities.

An important part of the training also addressed exemptions to the RTI Act’s disclosure requirements. While the Act is designed to promote transparency, certain information, such as that which pertains to national security, law enforcement, and personal privacy, remains exempt from public disclosure. The RTI Officer made it clear that understanding these exemptions is crucial to ensuring that the right balance between openness and security is maintained, while still empowering citizens to access essential public information.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where staff were encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification on how the RTI law applies to their daily responsibilities. This interactive exchange highlighted the practical implications of the RTI Act and reinforced its significance in improving the GNA’s responsiveness to public information needs. By enhancing staff understanding of the RTI law, the agency is taking an important step towards greater accountability, ultimately promoting a more open and transparent government.