RTI OFFICER SENSITIZES TEACHERS ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN BIRIM NORTH
The Right to Information (RTI) Officer of the Birim North District Assembly has continued efforts to promote transparency and accountability through community engagement by organizing a public awareness and sensitization programme for teaching staff of Nkwarteng SDA Basic School. The initiative formed part of the Assembly’s ongoing implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), aimed at empowering citizens to exercise their constitutional right to access information held by public institutions.
During the interactive session, the RTI Officer educated participants on the key provisions of the RTI Act, including procedures for requesting information, timelines for responses, applicable fees and exemptions, offences and sanctions under the law, and the obligations of public institutions to provide information. The engagement highlighted the importance of the Act in fostering open governance, enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in public affairs, and strengthening accountability within state institutions. Through discussions and practical examples, teachers gained a better understanding of how to access information for personal, professional, and civic purposes.
The programme also underscored the vital role of Information Officers in bridging the gap between citizens and public institutions. By providing education on the RTI Act and facilitating access to information, Information Officers help build public confidence in governance processes and encourage a culture of transparency. Participants were encouraged to make use of the law responsibly and to share knowledge about the Act within their schools and communities to broaden public awareness of citizens’ rights.
An interactive question-and-answer session revealed concerns among participants regarding fear of political intimidation, resource constraints affecting RTI implementation, and limited public commitment to seeking information from public institutions. In response, the RTI Officer emphasized the need for collective efforts by public institutions, community leaders, and citizens to support the effective implementation of the law. The programme concluded successfully with participants expressing appreciation for the sensitization and reaffirming the importance of access to information as a cornerstone of good governance, transparency, and accountability.
