The Research Statistics Information and Management (RSIM) Directorate of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) held a sensitization workshop on the RTI Act 2019 (ACT 989) for all Directors, Heads of Project Units, and Deputy Directors at the Ministry’s Conference Room

The ACT, seeks to provide for implementation of the constitutional right to information held by a public institution, subject to the exemptions that are necessary and consisted with protection of the public interest in a democratic society, to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs and provide for related matters.

In his brief welcome remarks, the Director RSIM, Dr. Samuel Antwi-Gyekyi , said that it was important that all directorates of the ministry become accustomed with RTI Act and become of the kind of information to give out and what to exempt.

He noted that, due the nature of the ACT 989, all Directors needs to know how it operates and support the Right to Information Officer to carry out his duties effectively and prevent the Ministry from flouting the rules of the ACT.

The exercise conducted by resource persons from the Access to Information Division of the Information Services Department, led by Madam Bridget Mensah, and assisted by Mr. Sothenes Senanu Nyadoh,  and Mr. George Frimpong Basuah.

The Team Lead,  Madam Bridget Mensah, during her presentation  emphasized that the Right to Information (RTI) law is now a permanent fixture and familiarity with it is essential, as violations carry penalties.

 “The Act mandates the implementation of constitutional rights to information held by public institutions, with certain exemptions,” she explained.

 She further elaborated that the Act also requires government and public institutions to proactively disclose governance-related information.

Mr. Sothenes Senanu Nyadoh also highlighted that applications for accessing RTI can be submitted electronically, in braille, or orally for individuals with disabilities or illiteracy. He reiterated that the RTI law imposes penalties for violations, and accessing information under the law typically takes 14 days and incurs nominal charges.

Other Directors present included Mr. Alfred Nortey (Director of Finance and Administration), Mr. Austin Hesse (Director of Human Resource Management), and Mr. Emmanuel Ofori (Director of Policy Planning, Budget Monitoring, and Evaluation).