BIRIM NORTH RTI OFFICER SENSITISES TEACHING STAFF ON THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT

The Birim North District Assembly, through its Right to Information (RTI) Unit, has sensitised teaching staff of Dodowraso D/A Basic School on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The sensitisation programme, held on Monday, 3rd August 2026, formed part of efforts to strengthen public awareness and promote effective implementation of the RTI framework within the District. The engagement sought to equip participants with knowledge of their right to access information and demonstrate how access to reliable public information can promote transparency, accountability and responsible participation in community development.

The RTI Officer, Mr. Gyapong Eric, took participants through key aspects of the RTI Act, including the procedures, manner and form for making information requests, applicable response timelines, circumstances under which fees may be paid or waived, offences and sanctions, as well as exemptions to the disclosure of information. Participants were also educated on the obligations of public institutions and relevant private institutions under the law. The Officer emphasised that access to credible and accurate information can enable citizens to better understand public policies and programmes, monitor the use of public resources and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

An interactive question-and-answer session provided an opportunity for the teaching staff to discuss practical issues surrounding the implementation of the Act. Discussions highlighted the potential of the RTI framework to support efforts to safeguard public resources by promoting access to authentic and reliable information and discouraging the use of false or misleading information, unauthorised disclosure of institutional information and deceptive practices involving public property, funds and services. The engagement further underscored the role of the RTI Officer in educating citizens and public officials, facilitating access to information and promoting responsible information management within public institutions.

The sensitisation concluded with a call for strengthened institutional support and resources to enhance the effective implementation of the RTI Act. Mr. Gyapong encouraged participants to use and promote the RTI framework responsibly and to support measures that protect public resources and improve access to reliable information. The engagement demonstrated how the work of Information and RTI Officers can contribute to accountable public administration and informed citizen participation, ultimately supporting effective delivery of government policies and programmes and sustainable community development within the Birim North District.