The RTIC has been actively engaged in international collaborations, particularly through its membership with the ANIC and the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC).
Since 2022, the commission has attended all international conferences related to ANIC and ICIC, showcasing its commitment to sharing best practices and learning from other information commissions globally.
The commission's participation in ICIC conferences has taken it to various countries, including Mexico (2022), the Philippines (2023), Albania (2024) and Germany (2025).
During these conferences, ANIC typically holds its own regional meetings, providing an opportunity for African Information Commissions to discuss regional issues and challenges.
Notably, in 2023 and 2024, ANIC, with the support of UNESCO, hosted its own regional meetings in Kenya and South Africa, respectively, before the ICIC conferences.
These meetings allowed ANIC member commissions to deliberate on key issues, share experiences and develop strategies for promoting access to information in Africa.
RTIC’s active engagement with ANIC and ICIC demonstrates its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, both nationally and internationally.
By collaborating with other information commissions, the RTIC is well-positioned to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the field of access to information.
The RTIC stakeholder engagement efforts have extended beyond the media, encompassing civil society organisations (CSOs), the Judiciary, Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), Star Ghana, Media Foundation for West Africa, RTI Coalition and other key stakeholders.
By building partnerships with CSOs, the commission has been able to leverage their expertise and experience in promoting transparency and accountability.
Moreover, the RTIC has also engaged with traditional leaders, recognising their influential role in shaping societal norms and values. Notably, the commission has collaborated with prominent chiefs, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Nayiri Naa, Yagbonwura, Waa Naa, Togbe Afede XIV, and Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II of Oguaa.
These traditional leaders, along with others across the country, have been instrumental in promoting the RTIC's message and values.
The RTIC's inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement has enabled the commission to build a broad coalition of supporters, ensuring that the benefits of the Right to Information law are accessible to all Ghanaians.
By working together with CSOs, traditional leaders and other stakeholders, the RTIC is promoting a culture of transparency and accountability that will have a lasting impact on Ghana's governance and development.
Every September holds special significance for the RTI Commission, as it is designated as the RTI month since September 28 is marked to celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). To commemorate this occasion, the commission intensifies its media and stakeholder engagements, aiming to further promote awareness about the Right to Information Act (Act 989) and its benefits.
During the RTI month, the commission leverages various platforms to educate the public on their right to access information.
Media engagements, public forums and stakeholder discussions are organised to foster a deeper understanding of the law and its implications.
The RTI month serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, and the commission's efforts during this period play a crucial role in promoting these values.
Legislative Instrument (L.I)
The RTIC in 2021 took steps to address potential lacunas in the RTI Act 989 by constituting an L.I Committee.
This committee, comprising experts from various stakeholders, including the Judiciary, Parliament, the media and civil society organisations, has worked tirelessly to draft a Legislative Instrument (L.I) to supplement the Act.
A stakeholder conference on the L. I was held earlier in 2024 at the British Council, demonstrating the commission's commitment to inclusivity and stakeholder engagement.
The conference provided a platform for valuable feedback and input from various stakeholders.
As of November 2024, the L.I Committee had completed the final draft of the L.I, which was subsequently reviewed by the Subsidiary Legislative Committee of Parliament. Although the committee had sat on the draft, it had yet to submit its report to the plenary for passage.
By December 2024, a memo had been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament's desk regarding the L.I, but unfortunately, it wasn't laid in plenary and, therefore, wasn't passed by the 8th Parliament.
Next steps
The commission is currently awaiting for the current Subsidiary Legislative Committee of Parliament to review the L.I draft and forward it to the plenary.
This development is crucial in ensuring the passage of the L.I, which will provide clarity and operationalise the RTI Act 989.
The commission's efforts to develop a comprehensive L.I demonstrate its dedication to promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
We look forward to the passage of the L. I by the Ninth Parliament, which will further enhance the effectiveness of the RTI Act.
The RTIC took a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in governance with the launch of its five-year strategic plan, "Pathway to Open and Transparent Governance", on July 20, 2023.
This comprehensive plan outlined the commission's vision and objectives for enhancing access to information, empowering citizens and fostering good governance at all levels.
By the RTIC
