ACCESS TO INFORMATION (ATI)

OVERVIEW

The Access to Information Division is instrumental in strengthening the capacity of Right to Information (RTI) officers to facilitate ongoing communication, accountability, and the protection of the fundamental right to access information nationwide.

In doing so, the Division promotes professionalism and transparency while ensuring public access to verified government information.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION FACILITATION UNIT

The Access to Information Facilitation Unit trains, deploys, and provides technical assistance to over 350 Right to Information (RTI) Officers in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

These officers facilitate the processing of information requests made to public institutions under the Right to Information Act (Act 989).

Institutional Sectors

• Infrastructure Sector: George Frimpong Bacoah (DCIO)
• Public Safety Sector
• Social Sector: Genevieve Mawuena Wutoh (PIO)

Functions of the Facilitation Unit

• Conduct RTI awareness creation and sensitisation across public institutions.
• Train, deploy and provide technical support to RTI officers nationwide.
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate performance of RTI officers.
• Produce implementation reports (monthly, quarterly, mid-year and annual).
• Liaise with institutions to resolve operational challenges.
• Provide policy recommendations to support implementation of the RTI Law.

Implementation Timeline

• 2023: Documentary on the implementation of the RTI Law in Ghana.
• 2022: Developed an Online Records Management System enabling applicants to file requests online.
• 2021: Recruited and deployed 350 assistant information officers nationwide.

INFO311 (NATIONAL CONTACT CENTRE)

The National Information Contact Centre (INFO311) functions as a point of contact for citizens seeking comprehensive information on government services. It also provides a platform for citizens to express grievances, highlight issues, and obtain information on key national policies.

Service Channels: Call Centre (Toll-Free 311) | Email Response | Social Media Response | Live Webchat

Functions of INFO311

• Share accurate and up-to-date information about government programmes and services.
• Address inquiries and concerns of the public with verified official information.
• Receive and manage complaints for resolution support.
• Provide emergency communication support during national crises.

Key Accomplishments

• COVID-19 Calls: Serving as the nation’s first COVID-19 information contact centre in 2020, handling over 15,000 calls in its initial two months.
• Akosombo Dam Spillage (2023): Received over 1,581 calls to support emergency communication and relief coordination.