{
  "id": 10583697,
  "title": "RTI Commission Engages Stakeholders on Information Access, Misinformation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/rti-commission-engages-stakeholders-on-information-access",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T02:05:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Chronicle Ghana",
    "slug": "the-chronicle-ghana",
    "url": "https://thechronicle.com.gh/rti-commission-engages-stakeholders-on-information-access-misinformation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Right to Information (RTI) Commission convened a gathering of stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the RTI Act and the hurdles impeding its execution. This engagement, themed \"Upholding information integrity in the digital age: The role of access of information in addressing information disorder,\" sought to address the law's shortcomings and enhance the accessibility of public information. The event, part of RTI Month celebrations, attracted participants from various sectors, including public institutions, the media, civil society, and the diplomatic community. A pivotal segment of the discussion involved a panel debate on the law's efficacy, where participants scrutinized the extent to which the legislation had realized its goals since its inception. The panel highlighted persistent issues, such as difficulties in obtaining information from public bodies, tardiness in responding to requests, and gaps in institutional adherence to the law. In response, the panellists suggested measures to rectify these gaps, fortify implementation, and render the RTI regime more attuned to citizens' requirements. The discussions were integral to broader efforts to explore the role of information access in countering misinformation, malinformation, and other forms of information disorder, especially in the digital era. The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, underscored the significance of reliable public information in enabling citizens to discern truth amidst the rapid dissemination of false information. She highlighted the theme of this year's RTI Month, which aligns with the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28, as placing information integrity at the forefront of public discourse. Muslim emphasized that the proliferation of artificial intelligence and digital platforms has rendered it easier for misinformation and misleading content to proliferate before facts can be verified. A notable instance she cited was a video claiming to depict President John Dramani Mahama, his brother, and other government officials endorsing a Cryptocurrency platform, exemplifying how swiftly misleading content can spread. Muslim stressed that RTI is not merely a legal entitlement but a practical instrument for fostering public trust, urging public bodies to uphold responsibility throughout the RTI application process by preserving accurate records, readily providing frequently requested information, and ensuring information officers comply with statutory timelines. She also implored the media to assume greater responsibility in disseminating information by verifying claims, providing context, and refraining from publishing unsubstantiated information. Muslim noted that while access to information is vital, it alone does not guarantee the truthfulness of information, thereby highlighting the importance of verification and media literacy. She acknowledged the effectiveness of the RTI regime should be gauged by the experiences of individuals seeking information, including students, journalists, and business owners. Muslim commended the RTI Commission's leadership and staff for their efforts, while recognizing the challenges they face, stressing the importance of addressing these obstacles due to the Commission's pivotal role in Ghana's democratic development. The event also featured cultural performances and a presentation by renowned Ghanaian ethnomusicologist Dr. Ephraim Amu, underscoring the collective responsibility of citizens in national development. The actinered part of the Commission's public education initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the right to information and encouraging citizens and institutions to utilize the RTI framework effectively.",
  "summary": "The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has engaged stakeholders on the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act and the challenges confronting its implementation, with calls for measures to close existing gaps in the law and improve access to public information. The engagement, on the theme, “Upholding information integrity in the digital age: The role […] The post RTI Commission Engages…",
  "key_points": [
    "RTI Commission convenes stakeholders to assess RTI Act effectiveness",
    "Discussion focuses on hurdles in information access and execution",
    "Emphasizes role of information integrity in combating misinformation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The RTI Commission's stakeholder engagement marks a step towards addressing the shortcomings of the RTI Act and enhancing public information accessibility, a crucial move in combating misinformation in the digital age.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}