On October 21, 2024, the Ghana Tailors and Dressmakers Association of Krofrom Zone, gathered at the Church of Pentecost Premises for an educational session on the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The session, led by key officers from various public institutions, aimed to enhance the understanding of the RTI Act and its relevance to the member’s professional needs. The officers present included Mr. Bright Agyemang from the Manhyia North Sub-Metro, Ms. Asor Dora from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Ms. Mansura Issah from the ISD Regional Office, and Mr. Kwaku Agyei Owusu from KMA.

The session began with an introduction to the RTI Act, tracing its origins back to 1995 when members of the Institute of Economic Affairs faced rejection of their request for information from the Bank of Ghana. This incident catalyzed the drafting of the RTI bill in 1999, which was later passed into law by President Nana Akufo-Addo in May 2019. The officers explained how the law is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and democracy within public service by ensuring that citizens have the right to access information held by government institutions.
Officers also provided a detailed explanation of the procedures for filing RTI requests, as outlined in sections 1, 18, and 19 of the Act. These sections clarify the process for requesting information and the timelines for responses from public authorities. A key part of the discussion focused on the exemptions within the law, highlighting situations where certain information may be withheld, such as for national security or law enforcement purposes.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment where participants asked questions about the practical application of the RTI Act in their businesses. Many members expressed enthusiasm about using the RTI Act to access information that could improve their operations, such as data on government policies, funding opportunities, and market trends. The attendees showed keen interest in learning more about how the law could help them advocate for their rights and improve their businesses.
Overall, the education session was well-received, with members leaving with a better understanding of their rights under the RTI Act. They also expressed interest in receiving additional resources and support for filing RTI applications. By empowering the members of the Tailors and Dressmakers Association with this knowledge, the session helped foster a culture of transparency and accountability, providing the association with the tools to actively participate in governance and advocate for their rights within the community.