BRIEFING ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT,2019 (ACT 989) ON 4TH APRIL,2023

BRIEFING ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT (RTI)

Master James Ampofo Akwaboah , the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly’s Right-To-Information officer, gave a speech on the right to information awareness exercise for all staff and Assembly members during the Ordinary General Assembly meeting on April 4^th, 2023. The sensitization practice was held in the Assembly Hall of the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly.

The aim of the sensitization exercise was to raise awareness and comprehension of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) amongst Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly workers and Assembly members. The Act, subject to certain exceptions, allows for the right of access to information kept by public institutions and intends to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

The Right to Information Officer delivered an overview of the Act during the sensitization exercise, emphasizing its purpose, scope, and the rights and obligations of both public institutions and citizens under the Act. He emphasized the Act’s importance in encouraging good governance, accountability, and transparency, and he encouraged the general Assembly members to embrace it as a tool for promoting openness in the performance of their tasks.

The Officer also walked the employees and assembly members through the process of seeking information under the Act, emphasizing the need of public institutions responding to such requests in a timely and effective manner. He emphasized that failing to comply with the provisions of the Act could result in repercussions, including fines.

Staff and Assembly members participated in the sensitization exercise by asking questions and requesting clarification on various aspects of the Act. The Officer properly answered all of the questions, and the staff and Assembly members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about the Right to Information Act.

In deduction, given the importance of the Act in encouraging openness and accountability in governance, the sensitization exercise held by the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly’s Right to Information Officer was suitable and applicable. The Officer’s presentation was enlightening, and the interactive nature of the exercise kept all staff and Assembly members engaged and informed. The sensitization effort is likely to go a long way toward increasing staff and Assembly members’ comprehension of the Act and fostering compliance with its requirements.