On November 29, 2024, a crucial sensitization program on the Right to Information (RTI) Act took place at Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School in Saltpond, aimed at educating students on the importance of public access to information. This event was organized to shed light on the RTI Act, its provisions, and its role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the governance system. The session, which sought to empower young people as informed citizens, was led by Miss Barbara Baah Sakyi, RTI Officer for the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, and Mr. Danny-Ralph Opoku Mensah, RTI Officer for the Ekumfi District Assembly.
During the session, the facilitators provided a comprehensive explanation of the RTI Act, focusing on its significance in fostering transparency and good governance. They walked students through the processes involved in obtaining public information and highlighted the ways in which citizens can use the RTI to hold public officials accountable. Special attention was given to the relevance of the RTI Act in everyday life, demonstrating how students could apply it to gain insight into public matters and improve the quality of governance in their communities.
The event was not only informative but also highly interactive. A lively Q&A segment allowed students to engage with the facilitators, asking questions on how to access information and utilize it to resolve issues in their communities. This segment provided valuable opportunities for the students to clarify their understanding of the RTI Act and its potential impact on societal development. The session successfully sparked a sense of civic responsibility among the students, motivating them to become advocates for transparency and accountability in their local communities.
The sensitization program was a collaborative effort between the RTI officers of the Mfantseman Municipal and Ekumfi District Assemblies. By focusing on the critical role of youth in community development, the event emphasized the importance of young people in driving accountability, championing transparency, and fostering good governance. The program not only equipped students with valuable knowledge about their rights under the RTI Act but also inspired them to actively contribute to developing a more transparent and accountable society.
