In an effort to promote greater transparency and open governance, Right to Information (RTI) Officers organized an informative session for staff of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) at their Ashanti Regional Office on Wednesday, February 14, 2025. The session was centered on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), a vital tool in fostering accountability and empowering citizens to access public information.
During the event, RTI Officers outlined the key components of the Act, including its significance, timelines for accessing public information, and the procedures for making requests. Mr. Kwaku Owusu Agyei, RTI Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, shared insights into the origins of the Act, highlighting how it was designed to align with Article 21(1)(f) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to information for all individuals. He emphasized that Act 989, passed in 2019, empowers both citizens and foreigners to request public information, thus holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Mr. Asare Emmanuel, an RTI Officer from the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly, further explained the process of applying for information under the Act. He stressed that requests must be submitted using a standard application form to the relevant institution’s information unit or records department. Addressing concerns over denied access to information, Mr. Asare reassured participants that applicants could seek an internal review, appeal to the RTI Commission, or petition the High Court for judicial review if they felt their request had been unjustly denied.
In addition, Mr. Samuel Agyemang Duah, the RTI Officer for the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, discussed the various exemptions under the Act, such as information related to national security, public safety, and economic interests. He clarified that while certain information may be withheld, these exemptions are not absolute and can be overridden if the benefits of disclosure outweigh any potential harm. The Ghana Shippers Authority expressed gratitude to the RTI Officers for the enriching session, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in line with Act 989.
