On November 7, 2024, the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) conducted a virtual training session aimed at educating staff of the Kumasi Abattoir Company Limited on the provisions and responsibilities of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. This training was part of an ongoing effort to promote institutional compliance with the RTI Law, which is critical in advancing transparency and accountability within public institutions. The session focused on how the RTI Act can be effectively implemented to ensure that public entities uphold the values of openness and responsiveness in their operations.
The training featured a comprehensive presentation led by Ms. Leticia Twum, SIGA’s RTI Officer, along with Mr. Joans Ayi, Assistant Manager of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (PME), and support from Mrs. Elizabeth Ahijah and other Kumasi Abattoir staff. Ms. Twum emphasized the crucial obligations public institutions have under the RTI Act, including the development and publication of an RTI Information Manual. This manual, she explained, must be made publicly available on the institution’s website and serve as a key resource for citizens seeking information, outlining procedures and guidelines for making requests.
A significant portion of the training was dedicated to the importance of reporting obligations under the RTI Act. Ms. Twum urged the Kumasi Abattoir to ensure that their RTI Officer submits an annual RTI report to the relevant authorities on time, as required by law. Additionally, she highlighted the necessity of establishing a dedicated RTI office within the Abattoir, a central point to manage and respond to public information requests. This, she noted, is an essential step in promoting trust and ensuring that citizens have easy access to information held by public institutions.
The session proved to be both informative and interactive, offering practical guidance on the implementation of the RTI Act. Participants actively engaged in discussions, raising questions and sharing insights on how the Kumasi Abattoir can better align its operations with the RTI Act’s objectives. The training not only empowered the staff with a deeper understanding of their responsibilities but also reinforced the importance of the RTI Act in ensuring good governance and fostering greater transparency between public institutions and the citizens they serve.