On the 29th of October 2024, a significant sensitization program was held at the Training Unit of Tema General Hospital aimed at educating National Service Personnel, Internship Students, and Hospital Staff about the Right to Information (RTI) Act and its practical applications. The primary goal of the session was to raise awareness about citizens’ rights under the RTI law and to inform attendees about the process for accessing public information through designated RTI officers. The program emphasized the vital role of the RTI Act in promoting transparency and accountability within public institutions.
The session provided a comprehensive overview of the RTI laws, detailing the procedure that applicants must follow when requesting information from any public entity. Key aspects of the law were highlighted, including the importance of the RTI Act in strengthening democracy by ensuring public access to information that affects them. The facilitators underscored the necessity of implementing the law effectively to foster a more transparent and accountable governance system, which is essential for improving public trust and participation in national affairs.
In addition to explaining the benefits of the RTI Act, the sensitization session also addressed potential challenges associated with its implementation. Concerns such as frivolous RTI applications, the misuse of accessed information, and the legal repercussions for such actions were discussed in detail. Participants were encouraged to understand the legal and ethical implications of the RTI process, ensuring that the system would be used responsibly and for legitimate purposes only.
This sensitization program was an important step in educating the Tema General Hospital community about their rights under the RTI law and the broader impact of the law on governance. The event highlighted the need for continuous efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public institutions. Organizers pledged to continue finding opportunities to engage and enlighten the local community on the value of the RTI Act, furthering the push towards open governance and a more informed citizenry.
