On Thursday, 27th June 2024, the Right to Information (RTI) officer for the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Alhassan Tahidu Adam, conducted a sensitization session for residents of Nyohini community, aimed at raising awareness about the Right to Information Act (RTI Act 2019, Act 989). The community engagement, organized by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Assembly, sought to empower local residents with knowledge of their rights under the law and how it can be used to demand greater transparency and accountability from public institutions.
During the session, Mr. Alhassan Tahidu Adam explained that the RTI Act was passed by Parliament in March 2019 and subsequently assented to by the President in May 2019. He highlighted the importance of the Act as a powerful tool for citizens to hold public institutions accountable. “The RTI Act is one of the key instruments that citizens can rely on to demand transparency and accountability from both public and government-funded private institutions,” he emphasized. The officer underscored that the law enables people to access information that is vital to their well-being and decision-making processes.
Mr. Adam went on to further elaborate that the RTI Act provides equal access to information for all citizens, regardless of their social, economic, or educational background. “Whether you are from an urban or rural community, the law guarantees your right to request information from any public institution,” he stated. He also walked the community members through the procedures for submitting an information request, outlining the steps involved and ensuring they understood how to submit their requests either orally or in writing to the relevant authorities.
The session concluded with Mr. Adam encouraging residents to utilize the Access to Information Division (ATID) of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the RTI officers, who are always available to assist with information requests. The community members expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the RTI Act, with many stating they felt more confident in their ability to seek information from public institutions. The engagement is part of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly’s ongoing efforts to promote open governance and ensure that citizens are equipped with the tools to actively participate in the democratic process.
