The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has established a centre to help people requesting information from public institutions under the Right to Information (RTI) Law.
The Access to Information Support Centre is accessible through dedicated call lines ((0531323225), WhatsApp messages (0531323225) and electronic mails (rtisupport@mfwa.org).
According to MFWA, the centre was established as part of efforts by the RTI Commission to reach out to everyone.
The centre will also provide information on how the public can use the law to request information or appeal decisions, as well as general information about the RTI Act.
Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, explained at the launch ceremony that the platform would help his organisation educate the public, particularly the vulnerable.
He stated that in any democracy, access to information should not be underestimated.
Access to information, in his opinion, can empower people to hold governments accountable.
He stated that the commission placed a high value on the law’s successful implementation, which led to the commission’s decision to open its doors to anyone seeking to improve the law’s operation.
He praised the MFWA for its efforts to increase public understanding of the law through various interventions.
Abigail Larbi-Odei, Programme Manager in charge of Media and Good Governance at MFWA, said her organisation had launched several activities since the law went into effect.
These include, among other things, the publication of a Media Guide on the RTI Law and training for journalists, programme hosts, and presenters on how to use the law for in-depth reporting and programming; training of over 150 local government officials, including metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives, coordinating directors, and information officers from various assemblies across the country, on their obligations under the law.
“We believe that this Access to Information Support Centre will provide support to the general public who need guidance on how to use the RTI Law to request information from public institutions.
“Let us remember that an informed citizen is an empowered citizen, and so we encourage the government and other civil society actors, including the media, to intensify public education on the merits of the RTI Law.
“It is when the public are aware of the law and its usefulness to their lives, democracy and governance that they will be better empowered to utilise it,” she said.
Ny: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana