The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) says it has made significant progress in advancing citizens’ access to public information and strengthening accountability in governance, five years after its establishment.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (13 October), officials from the Commission’s Enforcement, Engagement and Compliance Office — Andrew Adu Boahene and Vincent Appau Bediako — said the RTIC’s work over the past five years has led to a noticeable increase in public awareness and institutional compliance with the Right to Information Act.
Adu Boahene noted that the Commission has expanded its outreach across the country to make access to information easier for citizens.
“The Commission has increased sensitization of public institutions, and citizens are now more aware of their right to request information from every public institution and relevant private body,” he said.
“We currently have offices in Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, with plans to expand to other regions.”
He added that there has been a steady rise in institutional compliance.
“Year upon year, we’ve seen growth in the compliance rate of public institutions. Our monitoring shows that more people are exercising their right to request information, thanks to ongoing sensitization and media engagement.”
His colleague, Vincent Appau Bediako, emphasised the importance of citizens’ role in ensuring transparency through active information requests.
“Citizens are the demand side of the right to information. When they exercise this right, it keeps public institutions on their toes and fosters a culture of transparency in governance,” he said.
The Commission has also deepened partnerships with civil society organizations and development partners, which Mr. Adu Boahene said have been “very impactful.”
“Our partners not only support our programs financially but also give us critical feedback to strengthen the implementation of the law,” he added.
As part of its fifth anniversary celebrations, the RTIC has outlined a series of activities, including a stakeholder engagement on 23 October, bringing together the media, CSOs, and other key actors to discuss progress and challenges in implementing the RTI law. The celebrations will culminate in a thanksgiving service on 26 October.
Bediako reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that “no public institution is above the law” and that every citizen continues to enjoy their constitutional right to information.
Source: assaseradio.com
