On March 10, 2025, Pantang Hospital took a bold step toward deepening transparency and accountability within the public health sector by hosting a Right to Information (RTI) sensitization session for its staff. Madam Gifty Adams, the hospital’s RTI Officer, led participants through a comprehensive overview of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The session was designed to build awareness among health professionals about their roles in upholding the principles of open governance, as well as to encourage the use of the RTI Act as a powerful tool for institutional transparency.
Madam Adams began by tracing the origins of the RTI Act, linking it to Article 21(1)(f) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the right to access information. She emphasized that the Act serves not only citizens but also non-citizens, reinforcing its role in empowering the public to request and receive essential information from government institutions. Her presentation highlighted how a well-informed citizenry and workforce are critical to fostering accountability and strengthening trust in public service delivery.
In detailing the processes for requesting information, Madam Adams explained that applicants are not required to justify their request, an important element of the law that supports transparency without fear of retribution. However, in urgent situations, the urgency must be indicated. She outlined the various channels available for making requests, including written applications, oral submissions, and electronic communication. She also clarified that while the RTI Act opens access, there are instances, such as those involving personal or sensitive data, where access may be justifiably deferred to protect the public interest.
Closing the session, Madam Adams reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting both staff and the wider community in exercising their right to information. She assured participants that the RTI framework is fully operational at Pantang Hospital and encouraged them to make use of it responsibly. The sensitization forms part of the hospital’s broader mission to embed a culture of openness and integrity in its operations, reinforcing that transparency is not just a legal requirement, but a cornerstone of quality public healthcare delivery.
