On February 19, 2025, the Right to Information (RTI) Officer for West Gonja Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with Empowerment for Life, hosted an informative workshop at the Catholic Guest House in the West Gonja Municipal, Savannah Region. The session aimed to educate members of the Network of District Monitors, Savannah Regional Youth Network, and Community Journalists on Ghana’s Right to Information Act (RTI Act 989). This initiative was designed to enhance the participants’ ability to better serve their communities by empowering them with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under the RTI Law.
Mr. Shirazu Hussein, the RTI Officer for West Gonja, kicked off the workshop by providing a detailed history of the RTI Act. Enacted in 2019, the Act was passed by Parliament and received presidential assent to become Law 989. Mr. Hussein stressed the Act’s critical role in fostering transparency and accountability in government and publicly funded institutions. His presentation laid a solid foundation for participants, emphasizing the practical application of the RTI Act in their everyday roles, particularly in promoting an open and accessible government.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the comprehensive guide on how to apply for information under the RTI Act. Mr. Hussein assured attendees that the application process was simple, free of charge, and open to everyone, irrespective of their age or educational background. He explained that fees would only apply to the reproduction of requested information, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit access to information. This approach reinforced the law’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can fully benefit from its provisions.
The workshop also provided a platform for robust discussions on how the RTI Act could be leveraged to foster a culture of transparency and accountability. A lively Q&A session allowed participants to seek clarifications on various aspects of the law. In response to concerns about the protection of sensitive data, a community journalist suggested implementing safeguards to prevent the accidental release of confidential information. Mr. Hussein acknowledged the concern and emphasized the importance of balancing transparency with the need to protect sensitive data. In closing, he reaffirmed that the RTI Act’s ultimate goal is to promote transparency and accountability within public affairs, aligning with Ghana’s democratic values and supporting community development.
