KROMA FEST CELEBRATION PROVIDES PLATFORM FOR RTI EDUCATION IN KROWOR MUNICIPALITY
The Krowor Municipal Assembly has leveraged the annual Kroma Fest celebration to advance public awareness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), through an engaging sensitization programme held at the Kroma Cluster of Schools. The outreach, facilitated by the Assembly’s RTI Officer, Miss Edem Abla Afari, brought together students, teachers, patrons, and members of the school community, creating an opportunity to combine civic education with one of the school’s most anticipated events. The initiative forms part of the Assembly’s sustained efforts to deepen understanding of the RTI Act and encourage informed citizen participation across the municipality.
Speaking during the programme, Miss Afari underscored the crucial role of Information Officers in promoting access to information and helping citizens understand their rights under the law. She explained that the RTI Act empowers every Ghanaian to request information from public institutions and serves as an important mechanism for enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust. By bringing the message directly to schools and communities, Information Officers continue to bridge the gap between public institutions and citizens, ensuring that knowledge of the law reaches all segments of society.
The sensitization focused on educating participants about the practical application of the RTI Act, including the procedures for submitting information requests, the obligations of public institutions to respond within stipulated timelines, and the oversight role of the RTI Commission. Participants learned how access to information can help citizens monitor the use of public resources, contribute to decision-making processes, and demand accountability from duty bearers. The session reinforced the importance of openness in governance and highlighted how informed citizens can contribute to national development.
Recognizing the youthful audience, Miss Afari adopted an interactive approach that connected the principles of the RTI Act to issues relevant to students and their educational experiences. She encouraged students to cultivate an interest in civic affairs and to appreciate information as a constitutional right rather than a privilege. Teachers and patrons were also urged to reinforce RTI awareness within their schools and communities, helping to extend the impact of the sensitization beyond the event itself.
The programme concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, during which participants shared their views on governance, transparency, and access to information. The enthusiasm displayed by students and educators highlighted the growing importance of introducing civic education at an early age. Through initiatives such as the Kroma Fest sensitization, the Krowor Municipal Assembly continues to demonstrate the value of community engagement in promoting the RTI Act and nurturing a generation of informed citizens committed to accountability, transparency, and democratic participation.
