By Austin Agyenim Boateng.
The Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng has called on Heads of Public Institutions to assist individuals who seek to acquire information under the RTI Law.
According to him, the RTI law stipulates that Heads of Public institutions should assist any individual who finds it difficult to access information due to problems with literacy.
Mr. Boateng was speaking when the Bono East Region took its turn to host the RTI forum in Techiman.
The Bono East regional capital-Techiman is the latest to host the Right to Information forum. The engagement was attended by Heads of some Public and Private institutions as well as students.
It was aimed at getting Ghanaians to better understand the RTI Law and the Operations of the RTI Commission.
The Right to Information Law is basically to empower citizens to access information and promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Presenting some facts about the RTI Law, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng said, it gives everyone the opportunity to apply for information without assigning reasons.
He, however, said some information is exempt, including matters bordering on security, fair trial and information about the President and the Vice.
Mr. Boateng said a person who willfully discloses information that is exempt from disclosure under the Act, commits an offense and is liable to a fine not less than 250 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than two years.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Kwasi Adu Gyan commended the Commission on its nationwide sensitization on the RTI Act, which he said would minimize the negative perception about the Act.
