In a bid to promote transparency and empower citizens, a sensitization program on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), was held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Sege-Nalogbanya, for members of the Sege Bushes Association. The initiative aimed to educate community members on their rights under the RTI law and how to access public information through designated officers. Emphasis was placed on the vital role of the RTI Act in strengthening accountability and citizen participation in governance.
Key presentations during the session covered the practical steps for submitting information requests, the legal obligation of public institutions to respond, and available remedies in cases of denial or delay. Facilitators clarified that the RTI Act is a tool for every citizen, not just journalists or activists, encouraging all participants to make use of their right to access public information as a means of fostering civic engagement.
One of the standout moments of the session was the open-floor discussion, which gave attendees the chance to share personal experiences and raise questions about the accessibility of government-held information. Many participants expressed surprise at the breadth of the Act and welcomed the training for breaking down legal concepts into clear, relatable terms they could understand and apply in their daily lives.
The successful sensitization at Sege-Nalogbanya marked an important step in bringing the RTI law closer to the grassroots. Participants left the session more informed and motivated to engage with public institutions, while facilitators called for ongoing community education to reinforce awareness and application of the law. The event’s impact reaffirms that access to information is a fundamental right that drives both transparency and local development.
