The Right to Information Commission has called for stronger collaboration with the media to improve public understanding and use of the Right to Information Act across the country.
Stephen Owusu said the media remained a key partner in educating citizens about their right to access information held by public institutions.
Speaking in an interview in Sunyani, Mr Owusu explained that the commission relied heavily on the media to sensitise the public on the RTI law and encourage citizens to make use of the legislation.
“We need effective media partnership if we are to reach the masses for them to understand the RTI Act,” he stated.
Mr Owusu, together with Genevieve Shirley Lartey, earlier paid a courtesy call on Joseph Addae Akwaboa as part of a working visit to the Bono Region.
According to him, the visit was intended to assess the operations of the regional office and seek support for the commission’s activities in the region.
He stressed that although the commission had operated in the region for nearly three years, more public education was needed to deepen awareness and understanding of the RTI law.
Osbon Adomako Akuoko said the Bono regional office was established in October 2023 to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance.
He noted that the office was among the first regional RTI offices opened outside Accra, Kumasi, and Bolgatanga.
Mr Akuoko urged both public institutions and citizens to better understand the provisions of the RTI Act, stressing that information held by public institutions ultimately belongs to the public.
He added that while the law guarantees access to information, it also contains exemptions to protect sensitive information and maintain a balance between transparency and lawful restrictions.
