Representatives from the Right to Information (RTI) Commission have taken staff of Accra Technical University through the Right to Information Law at a sensitisation workshop held on December 15, 2025, at the University’s Council Chamber.
The training was aimed at strengthening the University’s understanding and application of the Right to Information Law, which is central to promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions. The workshop was organised through the joint efforts of the University’s Management and the Directorate of Public Affairs to prepare staff for the practical implementation of the law.
Participants included directors, deans, heads of departments, faculty members and other staff of the University. The session focused on helping staff understand their roles and responsibilities under the law, particularly in relation to handling, sharing and protecting information.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University welcomed the initiative and stressed the University’s readiness to cooperate fully with the RTI Commission to ensure the successful implementation of the law. He noted that in an era where information plays a critical role in development, research, and governance, staff must be guided on what information to protect, what to share, when to share it, and how to share it appropriately. He further emphasised that responsibility for the right to information does not rest solely with the Information Officer but with all staff, as part of safeguarding transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the University.
The workshop covered key areas of the law, including an overview of the Right to Information Act, the manner of accessing information, the role of the Commission and the exemptions provided under the law. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Enu Afua Abuatiate, Kaynaj Goldy Nyameye Adjei, Andrew Adu Boahene and Samuel Kojo Awuah, who explained the technical aspects of the law in simple terms.
The facilitators guided participants on how to request information, the timelines involved in processing requests and the steps to take when a request is denied. They also explained the types of information that can be accessed by the public and those that are exempt under the law. In addition, the officers highlighted the sanctions attached to violations of the Act, including cases of non-compliance, forgery, alteration of information and the provision of false information.
The session was highly interactive, with staff asking questions and sharing concerns as they sought to gain a clearer understanding of the law and its application within the University setting.
The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) gives every person the legal right to access information held by public institutions and certain private bodies. The law is intended to promote openness, enhance accountability in governance, and empower citizens to participate meaningfully in national development, while also providing clear guidelines on the protection of exempt information.