The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) is marking a significant milestone – its fifth anniversary.
Established under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), the Commission has come a long way in promoting Transparency and Accountability in Ghana's governance.
The journey to the passage of the RTI law was a long and arduous one, with stakeholders from various sectors advocating the legislation after the Bank of Ghana (BoG) denied access to information to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in 1997.
The first draft of the RTI Bill was presented to the Parliament of Ghana in the year 1999. Finally, in 2019, Act 989 was passed, and the then President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, assented to it in the full glare of the public, the same day that the law was presented to him at the seat of government (Jubilee House), giving Ghanaians the right to access information held by public institutions.
The law's passage marked a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
The RTI bill lasted 20 years in Parliament before it was passed. Act 989 is the only law in Ghana that was assented to by the President live on television due to the interest of the public.
Early days
On October 19, 2020, the governing board of RTIC was sworn in by the President, and it began its operations with a skeletal staff of about five personnel in the private office of the then Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq. at Kokomlemle in Accra.
The commission held its board meetings at the National Media Commission (NMC) because the RTI Commission did not have its own office space for such meetings, being a new institution.
Despite the limited resources, the commission was determined to fulfil its mandate.
By September 2021, the commission moved into its current office at No. 4 Osu Badu Link, Airport West Residential, Dzorwulu, Accra, and the staff had grown to 15, although they worked without salaries.
Undeterred, the commission's Board decided to embark on a nationwide sensitisation programme to educate the public on the RTI law.
Nationwide sensitisation
The Commission zoned the country into four regions and conducted intensive sensitisation programmes in each zone. The programme aimed to educate the public on the provisions of Act 989 and how to access information held by public institutions.
Concurrently, the commission extended its sensitisation drive to Public Institutions and relevant private bodies, ensuring that both the public and public officials understood the law's requirements.
Besides, the commission has held numerous stakeholders’ engagements across the country to ensure that the promotion of the law is achieved. By 2023, the commission had sensitised all 16 regions to the RTI law.
During the commission's nationwide sensitisation, a deliberate effort was made to pay courtesy calls to the traditional councils and the regional coordinating councils in the various regions.
As custodians of the land, these councils play a vital role in facilitating the commission's activities.
Following the courtesy calls, the commission engages the media and the public through available radio stations in the region.
This strategic approach enables the commission to disseminate information about the Right to Information Act (Act 989) to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the law and its benefits.
Public lecture
The public lecture is a culmination of the sensitisation efforts, providing a platform for the commission to interact with Public Institutions, private institutions, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, address concerns and create awareness of the RTI Act.
Through this engagement, the commission empowers citizens with the knowledge of their right to access information, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
The nationwide sensitisation campaign was a comprehensive initiative that sought to engage with the public, create awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the law.
Zone-wise breakdown
Zone One, which comprised the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western North, Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions, was covered from October 9 to December 7, 2021.
Zone Two, covering the Eastern, Volta and Oti regions, took place from July 12 to July 18, 2022.
Zone Three, which included the Central and Western regions, was conducted from July 23 to July 28, 2023.
Finally, Zone Four, comprising the Savannah, Upper West, Upper East and North East Regions, was covered from November 5 to November 16, 2023.
Special collaboration Northern Region
It is worth noting that the Northern Region's sensitisation was conducted exclusively in collaboration with key partners, including the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), Star Ghana Foundation and Ghana Friends Partnership for Change from August 23 to 25, 2022. This partnership underscores the commission's commitment to working with civil society organisations to promote awareness and education.
The successful completion of the nationwide sensitisation campaign marked a significant milestone in the commission's efforts to engage with the public and promote awareness of key issues.
The campaign's impact was felt across the country, contributing to a more informed and empowered citizenry.
Concurrently, the commission has sensitised numerous churches and mosques to the law on the theme: “Churches and Mosques Sensitisation”, which aims at getting religious leaders and members abreast of the Right to Information Act (Act 989).
The Right to Information Commission's (RTIC) proactive engagement with the media has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
By partnering over 150 radio and TV stations and print media nationwide, the Commission has effectively disseminated information about the Right to Information law, empowering citizens to demand accountability from public officials.
Notably, the RTIC's outreach efforts extend beyond urban areas, encompassing community radio stations in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
This strategic approach ensures that the benefits of the Right to Information law are accessible to all Ghanaians, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status.
By leveraging community radio stations in the hinterlands, the RTIC has been able to reach marginalised communities, providing them with essential information about their right to information.
This inclusive approach has helped bridge the information gap, enabling citizens from all walks of life to participate in the democratic process and hold public officials accountable.
RTIC’s media engagement strategy has been pivotal in:
• Educating the public on the Right to Information law and its implications
• Promoting transparency and accountability in governance
• Empowering citizens to demand access to information from public institutions
• Fostering a culture of openness and transparency in public institutions
Through its media outreach efforts, the RTIC has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the Right to Information law are equitably distributed, promoting good governance and accountability across Ghana.
This article is by the LTIC
