ST. NICHOLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS AND STAFF SENSITISED ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, through its Information Services and Right to Information (RTI) office, has sensitised pupils and staff of St. Nicholas International School, Apostolic Church of Ghana, Bubuashie, on the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The programme formed part of ongoing efforts to promote public awareness of the RTI Act and encourage an informed and active citizenry. The sensitisation introduced participants to the purpose and benefits of the Act and demonstrated how access to credible public information can strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance and community development.

Information Officers took participants through the key provisions of the RTI Act, including the procedures for requesting information from public institutions and recognised private institutions covered by the law. Through practical examples and real-life scenarios, participants were shown how access to official information can help citizens understand public programmes, monitor the delivery of services and contribute to addressing development challenges within their communities. The engagement also highlighted the important role of Information Officers in bridging the gap between public institutions and citizens by providing guidance on information requests and facilitating access to official information in accordance with the law.

The programme was highly interactive, with question-and-answer sessions, role-playing activities and feedback discussions. Pupils and staff participated in a simulated information request to a local government institution, enabling them to better understand the practical steps involved in exercising the right to information. Participants also raised questions about transparency in public institutions and how information could be used to better understand issues affecting their communities. The engagement strengthened their appreciation of the RTI Act as a tool for informed civic participation and responsible engagement with public institutions.

The sensitisation concluded with participants demonstrating increased awareness of their right to information and the responsibilities that accompany its exercise. The engagement underscored the importance of educating young people and community stakeholders on the RTI Act as a means of building a culture of transparency, accountability and active citizenship. The programme further highlighted the contribution of Information Officers to public education and community empowerment, particularly by equipping citizens with the knowledge required to access credible information and participate meaningfully in local development. The organisers expressed appreciation to the Sub-Metro Head, Dir. Mercy Yaa Amatia Acheampomaah-Odoi, Municipal Information Officer Adams Bawa, and the supporting officers for their contributions towards the successful implementation of the programme.