The Right to Information (RTI) Officer of the Ghana Health Service has sensitised stakeholders on the importance of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), in promoting lawful access to health information and strengthening transparency within the health sector. The engagement formed part of a one-day technical stakeholder meeting organised by the Service to review and finalise a draft Prosthetics and Orthotics reporting register aimed at improving data collection, planning, and healthcare service delivery.
The technical engagement brought together about 35 participants from the Ministry of Health, public and private health institutions, and allied organisations. Participants included Health Information Officers, Physiotherapists, Orthotics and Prosthetics professionals, IT specialists, Sports and Exercise experts, and Health Administrators. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to validate reporting variables, share expert input, and build consensus on a standardised reporting tool to support evidence-based decision-making in Prosthetics and Orthotics care.
During the sensitisation session, the RTI Officer explained the procedures for requesting information from the Ghana Health Service under the RTI Law. He outlined the various channels available for submitting requests, including in-person applications, written submissions, and online platforms. Participants were also introduced to resources available on the RTI portal of the GHS website, which provide guidance on accessing publicly available information and submitting formal requests. He further highlighted the statutory timelines for responding to requests and assured stakeholders of the Service’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and timely responses.
The RTI Officer emphasized that the effective implementation of the RTI Law plays a critical role in advancing open governance, accountability, and transparency in public service delivery. According to him, access to reliable health information can support research, improve policy formulation, strengthen service delivery, and enhance public trust in healthcare institutions. The sensitisation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service to mainstream awareness and implementation of the RTI framework across the health sector while encouraging responsible access to information for national development.
