Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service in Kpong, within the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, have received education on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. The sensitization programme was conducted on May 22, 2026, by the Right to Information Officer of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly, Mr. Richard Asante Odei.
During the session, Mr. Odei explained that the RTI Act is rooted in Article 21 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the public’s right to seek and receive information. He noted that access to information is a cornerstone of open governance, enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes and hold public institutions accountable.
The Information Officer took participants through the key provisions of the RTI Act, including the procedures for requesting information, eligibility requirements, applicable fees, exemptions from reproduction costs, categories of exempt information, review mechanisms, and sanctions for non-compliance. He emphasized that understanding these provisions is essential for both public officers and citizens to ensure the effective implementation of the law.
Mr. Odei further highlighted the critical role of public institutions in promoting the objectives of the RTI Act through proper records management and the provision of credible information. According to him, efficient information management enhances public trust in state institutions and empowers citizens to make informed decisions on issues affecting their communities and livelihoods.
The interactive engagement provided participants with the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives on the practical application of the Act within their respective institutions. The discussions underscored the importance of continuous public education on the RTI Law, with participants calling for more sensitization programmes across the municipality. The programme reaffirmed the vital role of Information Officers in advancing openness, transparency, and citizen-centered governance through increased awareness and implementation of the Right to Information Act.
