MAMPONG INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT STRENGTHENED ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT
The Mampong Municipal Assembly, through its Information Services Department (ISD), has conducted a capacity-building engagement for staff, interns and National Service Personnel on the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The programme, held on Friday, 24th July 2026, was facilitated by the Municipal Right to Information Officer, Mr. Ebenezer Bannor. The engagement sought to strengthen participants’ understanding of their responsibilities under the RTI framework and equip them with the knowledge required to support effective access to public information and promote transparency and accountability in the delivery of public services.
Mr. Bannor explained that the RTI Act gives effect to the constitutional right to information and serves as an important mechanism for strengthening the relationship between public institutions and citizens. He took participants through key provisions of the law, including the principle of access to information, categories of exempt information and the circumstances under which information may lawfully be withheld. He noted that while the Act promotes openness, lawful exemptions relating to areas such as personal privacy, national security and law enforcement must be respected. Participants were also educated on the procedures for submitting RTI requests, applicable response timelines, and the review and appeal mechanisms available to applicants.
The session placed particular emphasis on the role of the Information Officer as a critical link between public institutions and citizens. Mr. Bannor explained that Information Officers are responsible for receiving and processing information requests, coordinating the retrieval of records, facilitating timely responses and advising management on RTI compliance. He also highlighted the importance of proper records management, continuous staff education and public awareness in ensuring that the right to information is effectively exercised. Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained in their daily duties and to recognise their role in promoting a culture of openness and responsible public communication within the Assembly.
The capacity-building programme further highlighted the contribution of the Information Services Department to community development through effective public communication and access to credible information. Mr. Bannor encouraged staff, interns and National Service Personnel to serve as ambassadors of transparency by supporting citizens to understand and exercise their right to information responsibly. The interactive session, which featured discussions and question-and-answer segments, strengthened participants’ understanding of the practical application of Act 989 and its relevance to public service delivery. The engagement concluded with a call for personnel to continue promoting transparency, accountability and informed citizen participation as essential components of good governance and sustainable community development.
