On Thursday, 21st November 2024, the Right to Information (RTI) Commission held an important sensitization session for staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and Innovation conference room. The event aimed to raise awareness and provide in-depth knowledge on the Right to Information Law, Act 989, which was passed in 2019. The session was designed to educate MOTAC personnel on the crucial role the RTI law plays in ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.
The sensitization was led by Ms. Jennifer Owusu, Mr. Rafael Osei-Bonsu, Mrs. Cynthia Opoku-Konadu, and Ms. Nana Akua Afriyie Agyekum from the RTI Commission. These experts took turns presenting various aspects of the RTI law, focusing on the importance of public access to information, the procedures involved in accessing data, and the fundamental principles underpinning the law. They emphasized how the RTI law empowers citizens and institutions by ensuring that government actions remain open and subject to public scrutiny.
In addition to discussing the core provisions of the RTI law, the facilitators also explored the operational functions and powers of the RTI Commission. They explained how the Commission makes orders, issues decisions, and provides directives on requests for information. The team also discussed the concept of “exempt information,” outlining the categories of data that are protected from disclosure and clarifying the limitations of public access. This comprehensive explanation ensured that staff members fully understood the law’s scope and its practical implications in their day-to-day work.
The session was interactive, with MOTAC staff actively engaging in discussions and asking insightful questions. They were encouraged to share their ideas on how the RTI law could be more effectively implemented within their ministry. The event concluded on a positive note, leaving participants better informed and motivated to incorporate the principles of transparency and accountability into their professional roles. By promoting a culture of openness, the sensitization program helped strengthen the foundation for a more empowered, informed, and responsive workforce within the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
