RTI Commission announces September as Right to Information Month

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has declared September 2026 as Right to Information (RTI) Month in Ghana. The month-long initiative aims to increase public awareness and access to information. The focus of the observance is the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28, with the theme: "Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder."

According to Madam Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Executive Secretary of the RTIC, the campaign seeks to enhance understanding of the Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989). She emphasized that access to information is crucial for transparency, accountability, inclusive participation, and good governance.

The RTIC will kick off its activities from September 1 to 28 with media outreach and interviews involving their officials in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga. These engagements aim to educate the public about Act 989 and outline the roles of public institutions and citizens under the law. The program will conclude with a stakeholder conference on September 24.

The conference will gather representatives from various sectors to discuss practical recommendations for tackling information disorder, promoting public participation, and enhancing information integrity in Ghana's digital landscape.

The Commission calls on public institutions to adopt proactive disclosure practices and abide by their obligations under Act 989. They also encourage the media and civil society organizations to keep advocating for access to information and the spread of accurate, verified information. Lastly, the Commission urges citizens to responsibly exercise their rights, seek information from reliable sources, and contribute to building an informed society.