In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the Ho West District Assembly, through its Information Services Department, held a vital sensitization exercise on the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2019 (Act 989) on October 24, 2024. The session, led by the Right to Information Officer, Mr. Amenyo Foster, targeted members of the Dzolo-gborgame community. The initiative aimed to increase public awareness of the RTI Act, empowering citizens to exercise their constitutional right to access information held by public and non-governmental institutions funded by the government.
During his presentation, Mr. Foster outlined the purpose and scope of the RTI Act, emphasizing its role in fostering open governance. He explained that the law grants citizens the right to access information from both public institutions and non-governmental organizations receiving government funding. This, he noted, is an essential tool for promoting transparency, allowing citizens to hold public institutions accountable for their actions and decisions.
A key focus of the sensitization was a detailed explanation of how individuals can apply for information under the RTI Act. Mr. Foster highlighted the exemptions to the law and the review process for denied information requests. He clarified that while there are no fees for submitting an information request, applicants would incur charges for the reproduction of information. However, he reassured participants that certain groups such as indigent individuals, persons with disabilities, and those identified as poor are exempt from these fees.
Throughout the session, Mr. Foster addressed various concerns, suggestions, and comments raised by the community members. He also educated participants on the internal review process and the procedures for seeking redress through the RTI Commission if their requests are not satisfactorily addressed. The exercise proved to be a crucial step in empowering the Dzolo-gborgame community to actively engage in the democratic process, ensuring that citizens are informed and have the tools to demand transparency from public institutions.
