The Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly has intensified efforts to deepen public understanding of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) through community engagement and public education initiatives. During a Town Hall Meeting held at Aboso on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Municipal Information Officer in charge of RTI, Collins Ransford Abam, educated participants on the significance of the RTI Law in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
The sensitization session focused on helping participants understand their constitutional and legal right to access information held by public institutions under the RTI Act. Participants were taken through the procedures for requesting information, including the option to submit requests verbally or in writing to designated RTI Officers within public institutions. The Information Officer further explained that applicants are not required to provide reasons for seeking information unless the request concerns personal or restricted matters under the law. The session also highlighted response timelines, exemptions under the Act, and the appeal processes available to applicants whose requests are denied.
Speaking during the engagement, the Information Officer emphasized that the RTI Act remains a critical tool for strengthening democracy, improving openness in public administration, reducing misinformation, and building trust between government institutions and citizens. Participants were encouraged to make responsible use of the law to monitor government projects, demand accountability from duty bearers, and actively contribute to local governance and community development. The education also reinforced the important role RTI Officers play in guiding citizens through the information access process and ensuring compliance with the law within public institutions.
The programme provided an interactive platform for participants to ask questions, share concerns, and seek clarification on issues relating to access to information and public service delivery. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to better understand their rights under the RTI Act and its relevance to participatory governance. The sensitisation formed part of the Assembly’s broader commitment to promoting open governance and enhancing public awareness of government policies and laws within the Municipality.
