The RTI Officer for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly hosted a two-day comprehensive sensitization program aimed at educating staff from both the West Gonja Municipal Assembly and the Sawla-Tuna Kalba District Assembly on the Right to Information (RTI) Act (Act 989). The program, which took place from November 6 to 7, 2024, was designed to raise awareness of the RTI Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2019 and came into effect in January 2020. This initiative was part of a broader effort to ensure that public institutions foster transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to exercise their right to access information.
Shirazu Hussein, the RTI officer for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, led the presentations, walking participants through the legal framework and the procedures for responding to information requests. He highlighted that the RTI Act mandates organizations to respond to public information requests within 14 working days. Hussein emphasized that a solid understanding of the RTI law among municipal staff is essential to streamline the information retrieval process, ensuring that public inquiries are met promptly and effectively.
The training session was met with positive feedback, with many participants expressing their appreciation for the valuable insights into the RTI Act. Some staff members advocated for additional training sessions to keep everyone updated on the latest developments regarding the law. During the session, the RTI officer also addressed concerns regarding the protection of sensitive data, with one participant suggesting that safeguards be put in place to prevent the accidental release of confidential information under the Act.
In closing, Shirazu Hussein reiterated the importance of the RTI Act in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in public institutions. He emphasized that by upholding these principles, the RTI Act aligns with Ghana’s democratic values, empowering citizens and reinforcing the role of public officials in serving the interests of the people.
