As part of efforts by the Information Services Department (ISD) of the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA) to educate, nurture, and empower students in the municipality on their right to access information, the Right to Information (RTI) officer visited Kingdom Stars Academy on February 19, 2025. The visit aimed to sensitize teachers and students on the RTI Law, Act 989, and its significance in fostering transparency and accountability in governance.
During the engagement, Ishmael T. Gbadago, the RTI officer, educated students on their constitutional right to access information as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. He provided insights into the RTI Law, Act 989, which was passed in 2019 to regulate access to information from public institutions. He further explained the application process, categories of exempt information, and the eligibility criteria for requesting information, ensuring that students understood the legal framework governing the right to information.
Community engagements such as this play a crucial role in promoting the importance of the RTI Law. By raising awareness at the grassroots level, individuals are empowered to demand transparency and accountability from public officials. The RTI officer highlighted that knowledge of this law strengthens democracy, ensuring that citizens can actively participate in governance by accessing the necessary information to make informed decisions.
The sensitization session was interactive, with students actively participating and answering questions related to the RTI Law. Many expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained, acknowledging that it would aid their academic work and general awareness. Mr. Gbadago concluded by advising students to embrace a culture of inquiry and utilize their right to access information to stay informed about national and municipal developments.
