As part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency and improve public access to information, staff of the Business Resource Centre (BRC) in Mampong have been sensitized on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The training, organized on Thursday, April 9, 2025, by Mr. Ebenezer Bannor, RTI Officer at the Mampong Municipal Assembly, aimed to empower the staff with practical knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under the law. The session focused on the importance of public access to information as a cornerstone of accountability and democratic governance.
The interactive session drew enthusiastic participation, with attendees raising important questions about the procedures for requesting information, expected timelines for responses, and institutional responsibilities in processing such requests. Concerns about challenges in accessing public records and the consequences for institutions that fail to comply with the law were thoroughly addressed. Mr. Bannor provided comprehensive responses, emphasizing that public institutions are legally bound to respond to information requests and that there are clear redress mechanisms under the RTI Act for applicants who are unjustly denied access.
The sensitization highlighted the pivotal role of the RTI Law in enhancing citizen participation and ensuring that government institutions remain open and accountable to the people they serve. Mr. Bannor encouraged staff to view the law not only as a legal tool but as a civic resource to help improve public service delivery and governance at the local level. The session also stressed the need for public institutions to cultivate a culture of openness by proactively disclosing key information and maintaining up-to-date RTI manuals.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Bannor called on the BRC staff to take full advantage of the knowledge gained and become advocates for transparency within their spheres of influence. Participants expressed gratitude for the session and commended the clarity and relevance of the training. With a deeper understanding of Act 989, BRC staff are now better positioned to support open governance and contribute meaningfully to promoting accountability in the public sector.
