On Thursday, January 20, 2025, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) Regional Office in Kumasi hosted an informative session led by RTI Officers from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA). The workshop was designed to educate GSA staff on the Right to Information (RTI) Law (Act 989) and its vital role in promoting transparency and accountability within public service. The training aimed to equip the staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to handle information requests responsibly, ensuring that they contribute to open governance in their roles.
Mr. Samuel Duah, an RTI Officer from ARCC, began the session by explaining the origins of the RTI Law, referencing Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution. He emphasized the significance of the law in ensuring citizens’ right to access public information and the necessity of utilizing it to enhance government transparency. Mr. Duah also provided a detailed overview of the RTI Law’s exemptions, clarifying that while all individuals have the right to request information, some information may be restricted for legal or security reasons.
Mr. Agyei Owusu from KMA followed up by elaborating on the practical aspects of making an RTI request. He outlined the different methods for requesting information, whether through written applications, formal letters, or even oral requests to the appropriate institutions. This segment of the session aimed to ensure that the GSA staff understood the proper channels for accessing information, ensuring compliance with the legal framework while fostering effective communication between citizens and public institutions.
During the Q&A session, staff raised several insightful questions, which were addressed by Mr. Duah, further clarifying any concerns regarding the application of the RTI Law in their day-to-day operations. The Ghana Standards Authority expressed their gratitude for the session, commending the RTI Officers for their comprehensive presentation. In closing, GSA officials pledged to uphold the RTI Law, ensuring that the principles of transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of their operations, ultimately contributing to better governance for the public.
