On January 21st, 2025, Okorli FM, a prominent radio station in Sege, Ada West District, hosted an important sensitization program aimed at educating the community about the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The session, led by the RTI officer, focused on raising awareness about RTI Act 989, a key piece of legislation grounded in Article 21 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The law plays a crucial role in fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance, which are essential pillars for promoting participatory democracy. The event was designed to inform the public about how they can use the RTI Act to access information from public institutions, empowering citizens to engage actively with their government.
The educational session emphasized that access to information is not just a right but a fundamental human right enshrined in Ghana’s constitution. The RTI officer provided listeners with clear guidance on how they can exercise this right by submitting formal requests to the appropriate RTI office. Detailed information was also shared regarding the procedures and fees associated with making information requests, ensuring that the community understood the legal framework behind the process. This step-by-step guidance made the law more accessible and relatable to local residents.
A standout feature of the sensitization program was the interactive engagement with Okorli FM’s audience. Listeners were encouraged to call in with their questions, which allowed for a dynamic exchange between the RTI officer and community members. This direct interaction provided an opportunity to address concerns and clarify any misunderstandings about the RTI law and its real-life applications. By addressing specific inquiries, the session helped demystify the process, ensuring that listeners felt more confident in exercising their rights to access public information.
Throughout the broadcast, the people of Ada West not only gained valuable knowledge about their rights under the RTI Act but also understood the broader significance of the law in promoting open governance. The sensitization reinforced the importance of the RTI law as a tool for enhancing democratic practices, encouraging the public to demand transparency and accountability from public officials. By fostering a culture of active civic participation, the initiative paved the way for a more informed and engaged citizenry, ultimately improving the responsiveness and accountability of local governance in the district.
