Workshop on roadmap for RTI implementation opens in Accra

A workshop on the roadmap for the execution of the Right to Information (RTI) act by the implementing agency, Information Ministry has opened in Accra Thursday.

Attendees have been drawn from civil society groups as well as state agencies including UNESCO, RTI Coalition, Media Coalition on RTI. 

Also participating are members from the constitutional, legal and parliamentary affairs committee of parliament.

Parliament in March this year passed the RTI Act which was assented to by President Akufo-Addo last week. 

The RTI law seeks to give effect to Article 21 (1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana which states that “All persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary for a democratic society.”

It also seeks to operationalise the constitutional right to information by the public, and some private institutions, subject to exemptions that are necessary and consistent to safeguarding the public interest in a democratic state.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the workshop was part of measures to get stakeholders aligned and acquainted with the processes before full implementation of the RTI in January 2020.

”The RTI is a product of collaboration. It is therefore important to bring stakeholders back on the table for the roadmap for implementation” he said.

Mr. Nkrumah said the workshop will also afford participants the opportunity to make suggestions and inputs on the draft roadmap for a smooth implementation.