In a bid to empower communities through transparency, a pivotal workshop on the Right to Information (RTI) Act 989 was held at the Assemblies of God Church, River of Life Church-Daboya, in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region on February 21, 2025. Spearheaded by Mr. Shirazu Hussein, the RTI Officer for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, and supported by Empowerment for Life, the session brought together members of the Network of District Monitors, the Savannah Regional Youth Network, and Community Journalists. The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of their rights and duties under the RTI law, ultimately enhancing their ability to hold public institutions accountable and promote development through informed advocacy.
Mr. Hussein opened the session by providing a compelling overview of the RTI Act’s journey, tracing its passage through Parliament and presidential assent in 2019. He highlighted how the Act represents a major stride toward democratic governance by enabling citizens to access vital public information. Participants were introduced to the mechanics of requesting information under the law, with Mr. Hussein reassuring them that the process is user-friendly, cost-free for applications, and designed to include everyone, regardless of educational background. Only minimal fees apply for the reproduction of documents, making transparency a realistic goal across all communities.
The session also tackled practical concerns regarding the responsible use of the RTI Act. Attendees explored how the legislation can serve as a tool for development, empowering them to demand clarity on public spending, service delivery, and development projects. During an interactive Q&A session, participants raised critical questions about data protection, leading to a productive dialogue. A local journalist emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent unintentional leaks of sensitive information, underscoring a growing awareness of balancing transparency with confidentiality.
The workshop concluded on a high note, with participants expressing appreciation for the hands-on training and insights shared. The overwhelming feedback signaled a strengthened commitment to leveraging the RTI Act as a catalyst for good governance. Mr. Hussein reiterated the law’s central mission: to anchor public service delivery in transparency, accountability, and civic participation.
