The Kwahu Afram Plains North District Assembly participated in an informative session on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), organized by the district’s RTI officer. The awareness exercise which took place on December 17, 2024, was held as part of a Capacity Building Workshop at the Agric. Conference Hall in the Kwahu Afram Plains District. The key objective of the sensitization was to enhance understanding of the RTI law among staff members, particularly in promoting inclusivity for persons with disabilities, and to encourage their participation in governance matters affecting them.

The RTI Officer provided an insightful overview of the Act, explaining its purpose and scope, and highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both public institutions and citizens under the law. The officer emphasized how the RTI Act fosters transparency, accountability, and good governance by ensuring citizens’ access to public information. The session also underscored the importance of public institutions responding to information requests promptly and efficiently, in line with the Act’s provisions, and warned that failure to comply with the law could result in legal consequences such as fines.
A significant focus of the session was on empowering persons with disabilities, with the officer highlighting that the Act offers special provisions, including exemption from costs related to the reproduction of information for individuals with disabilities. This measure aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical challenges, can exercise their right to access public information. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the process and utilize the RTI law to seek the information that pertains to their rights and concerns.

The interactive nature of the sensitization session allowed staff to engage actively by asking questions and seeking clarifications on various aspects of the RTI law. The Officer addressed all inquiries comprehensively, ensuring that staff left with a clearer understanding of how the law applies to their daily responsibilities and the broader goal of promoting open governance. The session concluded with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about the RTI Act and its vital role in fostering a transparent and accountable government.