The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) hosted a three-day comprehensive sensitization program aimed at educating staff about the Right to Information (RTI) Act (Act 989) from August 27 to 29, 2024. Collaborating with the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) and the Human Resources Department, the initiative sought to inform employees about the significance of the RTI Act, which was enacted by Parliament in 2019 and implemented in January 2020 after extensive advocacy from media, human rights activists, and civil society organizations. The RTI Act empowers citizens to request information from public institutions in Ghana, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Mr. Nathaniel Kofi Afram, the designated RTI officer for GSA, led the presentations, outlining the roles and procedures involved in requesting information. He emphasized the legal requirement for organizations to respond to information requests within 14 working days, stressing that a thorough understanding of the RTI law among staff would significantly streamline the information retrieval process. This knowledge is crucial not only for compliance but also for enhancing the responsiveness of the GSA to public inquiries.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Maxwell Kobe from the Food and Agriculture Department expressed gratitude for the training and advocated for additional sessions to keep staff updated on RTI requirements. Mr. Victor Kwansa from the Special Projects Unit learned that as an Authority staff member, he could submit an RTI request, highlighting the need for measures to protect sensitive information. Meanwhile, Mrs. Genevieve Baah Mante, Head of the Material Science Department, suggested implementing safeguards to prevent the unintentional disclosure of confidential data under the RTI Act.
In conclusion, the RTI Officer reinforced the Act’s purpose of promoting transparency and accountability within public affairs, aligning with the democratic values of Ghana. With oversight from the RTIC, the GSA’s commitment to educating its staff reflects a proactive approach to upholding the principles of the RTI Act, ultimately empowering citizens and fostering a more engaged and informed public. As these sensitization efforts continue, the GSA aims to enhance its service delivery and strengthen its relationship with the communities it serves.
