In a bid to deepen transparency and accountability in public service, staff of the Social Welfare Department in the Dodowa District have received valuable training on the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The engagement, held on February 13th, 2025, at the district office, forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to build the capacity of government workers in handling public information responsibly and lawfully. The event underscored the growing relevance of the RTI Act in enhancing access to information within both government and non-governmental institutions.
Addressing the participants, the district’s RTI Officer, Ms. Hagan, emphasized the pivotal role information officers play in the realization of transparent governance. She highlighted that the RTI Act serves as a vital tool in facilitating communication between public institutions and the citizens they serve. “It is the responsibility of every public officer to uphold the principles of openness, except in cases where the law exempts certain information, ” she stated. According to Ms. Hagan, the training aims to ensure that social welfare workers are fully equipped to support the public’s right to know, thereby improving service delivery and public trust.
During the session, Ms. Hagan walked participants through the step-by-step process of filing an RTI request, noting that requests can be made in writing, verbally, or through electronic channels. She also discussed the categories of exempt information under the law, such as documents related to national security, confidential internal communications, and sensitive issues impacting international relations. By understanding these exemptions, officers are better positioned to balance transparency with confidentiality in their professional duties.
The interactive session concluded with a robust question-and-answer segment, allowing social welfare staff to seek clarity on real-life scenarios, particularly those involving delicate family matters concerning children and guardians. The training was widely seen as a crucial milestone in equipping government workers with the necessary tools to promote transparency, uphold citizens’ rights, and strengthen democratic governance through the effective application of the RTI Act.
