On 25th October 2024, a sensitization program was held at Mamprobi EP Church School in Accra to raise awareness about the Right to Information (RTI) Act (Act 989) among students and faculty. The event, organized by a team of RTI officers from across Greater Accra, aimed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of the RTI Act and how it serves as a vital tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in public governance. The session provided students with the knowledge they need to actively participate in democratic processes and understand their rights to access public information.
The primary objectives of the program were to educate the students about their rights under the RTI Act, empower them with the tools to request information from public institutions, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the community. The RTI officers, including Emmanuel Attoh Kofi Armah from Ablekuma South Sub-Metro, Ransford Adu Acheampong from Okaikoi South Sub-Metro, and others, took the students through a detailed presentation on how the RTI Act enables every citizen, regardless of age, social background, or education to access information from public institutions without discrimination.
Throughout the session, the RTI officers used a range of interactive methods to engage the students and help them grasp the key concepts. The students learned the step-by-step process of requesting information, from submitting written or oral requests to understanding the types of information that can be accessed and those that are exempt. Real-life examples and case studies were shared to demonstrate how the RTI Act has been used to improve public services and ensure government accountability. The students also participated in a role-playing activity where they simulated the process of requesting information from a local government institution, reinforcing their understanding of the Act in a practical way.
The program was well-received by both students and faculty, with participants expressing their appreciation for the informative and interactive approach. By the end of the session, students displayed a greater sense of civic responsibility and confidence in their ability to use the RTI Act to demand transparency from public institutions. The successful sensitization not only raised awareness about the RTI law but also empowered a new generation of informed citizens committed to promoting good governance. The organizers hope to replicate this program in other schools to continue fostering a culture of openness and accountability in the educational sector and beyond.
