In a significant step toward promoting transparency and civic participation, the Right to Information (RTI) Officer for the Kwahu Afram Plains North District Assembly organized a community sensitization session on April 17, 2025, for residents of Cartepilla-Tornu. The exercise, held at the community center, focused on educating members, particularly persons with disabilities, about the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The initiative aimed to empower citizens to demand accountability from public institutions by understanding and exercising their right to access public information.
During the event, the RTI Officer gave a detailed presentation on the Act, outlining its purpose, scope, and the mutual responsibilities of both citizens and public institutions. He explained that the Act grants all individuals, subject to certain exemptions, the right to request and obtain information held by public bodies. This, he emphasized, is a vital tool in enhancing transparency, curbing corruption, and strengthening good governance across the country. The Officer highlighted that informed citizens are better equipped to participate in development processes and hold duty bearers accountable.
Attendees were guided through the procedures for submitting information requests under the Act, with the Officer stressing that public institutions are legally bound to respond promptly and effectively. He warned that institutions failing to comply with the law could face penalties, including monetary fines. Participants actively engaged in the session by posing questions and seeking clarifications, which the Officer addressed thoroughly. The community members expressed appreciation for the session and the knowledge gained.
The awareness program was especially relevant for marginalized groups, with the Officer noting that reproduction costs for accessing information do not apply to persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. The event reinforced the critical role RTI plays in community development, as it enables residents to demand transparency and influence policies that affect their lives. The Kwahu Afram Plains North District Assembly’s initiative marks a proactive step in deepening democratic values and strengthening the link between citizens and government institutions.
