The Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Ghana is set to open a new office in Cape Coast next month. This move aims to increase access to its services nationwide. According to Stephen Owusu, General Manager of the Commission's Legal Department, officers assigned to the new office have already been given time off to prepare for the commencement of operations.
Currently, the RTI Commission operates regional offices in Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, in addition to its headquarters in the Greater Accra Region. The Commission has been working to expand its regional presence over the past two years. It has collaborated with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to utilize some of its regional offices.
The RTI Commission has identified GBC properties in several regions that could be renovated and converted into offices. However, funding remains a major constraint. Mr. Owusu stated that the Commission had been given permission to renovate and use the identified GBC properties, but funding is now needed to undertake the necessary works.
The Commission's expansion plans have been impacted by funding constraints. Mr. Owusu mentioned that the Commission should have already established offices in Koforidua, Ho, Takoradi, and Tamale. Despite these challenges, the Commission will continue to expand its regional presence as resources become available.
The RTI Commission has announced the commencement of Right to Information Month 2026. A series of activities are scheduled throughout September to promote public awareness of the right of access to information. The annual commemoration aims to promote the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).
This year's celebration is themed "Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder." Activities for the month include media outreach programs and radio and television interviews involving Commission officials in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga.
The month-long activities will culminate in a Stakeholder Conference on September 24. The conference will bring together representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, civil society organisations, the media, academia, traditional authorities, and development partners to address information disorder and promote information integrity.
Key points
- The RTI Commission's new Cape Coast office is set to open next month.
- The Commission is expanding its regional presence despite funding constraints.
- The RTI Commission is promoting public awareness of the right of access to information through its annual Right to Information Month celebration.
