WEST AKIM RESIDENTS SENSITIZED ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT THROUGH RADIO ENGAGEMENT
Residents of the West Akim Municipality have received renewed education on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) through a public awareness programme aired on Osaberima FM. The sensitization exercise, held on June 19, 2026, formed part of the Municipal Assembly’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance. By utilizing radio as a community engagement platform, the Assembly extended awareness of the RTI Act to a wider audience, empowering citizens to better understand and exercise their constitutional right to information.
The programme was facilitated by the Municipal Right to Information Officer, Mr. Enchill Daniel, alongside the Municipal Information Officer, Madam Abigail Ofori Mantey. The officers educated listeners on the purpose and practical application of the RTI Act, highlighting its foundation in Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution. They emphasized that the law serves as a critical tool for open governance by enabling citizens to access information held by public institutions, thereby fostering greater trust, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
During an interactive discussion segment, Mr. Daniel addressed key concerns frequently raised by members of the public regarding access to information. Topics discussed included eligibility to request information, the scope of institutions covered under the Act, procedures for submitting requests, and the role of Information Officers in facilitating access to information. Particular attention was given to the statutory requirement for public institutions to respond to requests within fourteen days, as well as the review and appeal mechanisms available to applicants when requests are denied or not determined within the stipulated period. The discussion underscored the important role Information Officers play in ensuring compliance with the Act and assisting citizens in exercising their rights.
The programme concluded with a live phone-in session that allowed listeners to seek clarification on various aspects of the law. The interactive engagement provided a valuable opportunity for residents to deepen their understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the RTI Act. The successful exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based public education in promoting awareness of the law and reaffirmed the importance of the RTI Act in strengthening citizen participation, enhancing public accountability, and supporting democratic governance at the local level.
