AKATSI SOUTH INFORMATION OFFICER SENSITISES GES STAFF ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT
The Information Services Department (ISD) of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly has sensitised staff of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Office in the Municipality on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The programme, held on Monday, 10th August 2026, formed part of the Assembly’s efforts to strengthen awareness of the RTI framework among public officials and promote transparency, accountability and citizens’ access to information held by public institutions. The engagement provided an opportunity for GES staff to deepen their understanding of their obligations under the law and the importance of supporting citizens’ right to access official information.
Participants were taken through key provisions of the RTI Act, including the rights of information seekers, procedures for submitting requests, applicable response timelines, exemptions from disclosure, fees and charges, and appeal and review procedures. The session also highlighted the responsibilities of public institutions in receiving, processing and responding to RTI requests. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the Information Officer as an important link between citizens and public institutions, facilitating access to information while providing guidance on the lawful handling of requests. Participants were further encouraged to maintain proper records and documentation to support timely and effective access to information.
The sensitisation was highly interactive, with GES staff seeking clarification on the practical handling of RTI requests, particularly those involving official records and information in the custody of the Service. The Information Officer encouraged participants to familiarise themselves with the provisions of Act 989 and ensure that information requests were handled professionally and in accordance with the law. The discussions also helped address misconceptions surrounding access to official information and reinforced the importance of proper institutional procedures in promoting transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
The programme strengthened collaboration between the Information Services Department and the Ghana Education Service in promoting awareness and effective implementation of the RTI Act within the Municipality. The engagement underscored the importance of continuous education of public officials to ensure that citizens can exercise their right to information effectively and responsibly. By facilitating access to credible public information and supporting institutions to comply with their obligations under the law, Information Officers contribute to informed citizen participation, improved public service delivery and community development. The Assembly reaffirmed the need for regular RTI sensitisation programmes and continued technical guidance to public institutions across the Municipality.
