The RTI Unit of the Public Affairs Division, in collaboration with the Access to Information Division (ATID) of the Information Services Department (ISD), on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, held a training programme for Directors, Managers and Administrative staff of the Ghana Highway Authority.
The training programme, which aimed at enhancing participants understanding of the RTI Act and its practical application, covered essential topics such as timelines for processing RTI requests, handling of exempt information, penalties and the responsibilities of Public Institutions in RTI implementation.
The Director of Audit and Chairman for the training session, Dr. Frank Gamadey, in his opening remarks acknowledged the work done by the RTI Unit under the leadership of the Ag. Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, noting the significant achievement regarding the publishing of GHA Information Manual. Touching on the number of applications received since the setup of the Unit, Dr. Gamadey urged Divisional Heads to continue to carry out their responsibilities with all the zeal and commitment required to execute their mandate under the Act to prevent any legal implication regarding the delay or denial of an RTI request. “Do not act in a manner that will breach the law”, he entreated Divisional Heads present.
Director of Audit, Dr. Frank Gamadey
The head of the ATID, Madam Bridget Mensah, started with the presentation on the background and overview of the RTI law, timelines, application processes and relevance of the law. Noting the need for proactive disclosure of fundamental information as required by law, Madam Bridget Mensah, also applauded the Authority for the marvelous work done regarding the publishing of the Information Manual and its adherence to the requirement of the RTI Act.
The head of the ATID, Madam Bridget Mensah
The Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) of ATID, Mr. George F. Basoah, in his submission gave a detailed explanation of the exemptions in the Act. Some of them included: information for the President or Vice, information affecting security of the state, law enforcement and public safety, economic information of third parties, internal working information of public institution, privilege information among others as stated in the law. Mr. Basoah, however, noted that the expiration of all exempt information was after 30 years, thus on the expiry of the period, information is no longer considered exempt. Reiterating his outfit’s readiness to assist the Authority when faced with challenges with regards to processing requests, the DCIO, encouraged the Authority to keep up with the gains.
The Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) of ATID, Mr. George F. Basoah
The Principal Information Officer, Ms. Genevieve M. Wutoh, led the practical session which entailed an analysis of a case study on a typical RTI request. Participants gave varied inputs which showed their in-depth understanding of the Act and the requirements regarding processes for requesting information.
The Head of the Public Affairs Division, Mr. Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, who spearheads the activities of the RTI Unit, in a closing remark, stressed the necessity of complying with the Act's stipulated timelines, particularly for administrative officers who are the first point of contact. He also acknowledged the Chief Executive's office, Contract, Bridges, Road Safety, and Road Maintenance Divisions for their timely responses and significant contributions to the Unit's success.
The Head of the Public Affairs Division, Mr. Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum
The 2-session training programme ended on a successful note as participants appreciated the RTI Act better after their questions and reservations were clearly addressed.