On Friday, October 25, 2024, St. Mary’s Girls Senior High School became a hub of civic engagement as students participated in an inspiring sensitization program focused on the Right to Information (RTI) Act 989. Organized by a dedicated team of RTI officers, the event aimed to empower young citizens with essential knowledge about their right to access public information and hold institutions accountable. The program began with an engaging question that piqued the student’s interest: “Did you know that as citizens, you have the right to ask how your community’s resources are used”? This thought-provoking query sparked vibrant discussions among the students, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the RTI Act.
Emmanuel Attoh Kofi Armah from the Ablekuma South Sub-Metro, Ransford Adu Acheampong from Okaikoi South Sub-Metro, Priscilla Lartey from Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro, Helen Quartey from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and Sophia Akwaah Asiamah from the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council led the session. They emphasized the RTI Act’s role in fostering transparency and accountability within public institutions, making it clear that this powerful tool is accessible to all citizens, including the youth.
To bring the principles of the RTI Act to life, the officers facilitated an interactive role-playing activity. Students were divided into two groups: one representing citizens seeking information and the other embodying government officials responding to requests. The lively exercise not only generated laughter but also fostered a practical understanding of the process of requesting information under the RTI Act. The students began to see firsthand how transparency in governance can impact their lives, from understanding school resource allocation to overseeing community development projects.
The program culminated in a thought-provoking Q&A session, where students posed insightful inquiries about the application of the RTI Act to ensure transparency in school funding and monitor local projects. The RTI officers addressed each question comprehensively, illustrating how the law can be utilized to tackle everyday issues and promote fairness within society. By the end of the session, many students expressed their enthusiasm for using the RTI Act as a tool for advocating greater transparency and accountability within their communities. The day left a significant impact on both students and faculty, reinforcing the notion that young people play a crucial role in shaping a transparent and accountable society.
The RTI sensitization program at St. Mary’s Girls Senior High School served as a powerful reminder that with knowledge of the RTI Act, students are better equipped to engage in the democratic process and advocate for positive change in their communities. As they left the session buzzing with ideas, it was clear that this new generation is poised to be informed and active citizens, ready to drive meaningful change.
