A sensitization workshop was conducted by Right to Information (RTI) officers at the Ashanti Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on Monday, July 10, 2023.

The workshop, which took place both virtually and in-person, was attended by management and staff members of the FDA.

During the workshop, participants were provided with an overview of the provisions of the RTI Act, emphasizing its relevance and the responsibilities of public institutions under Act 989.

The workshop covered various topics, including timelines for accessing information, exemptions under the law, and the procedures involved in releasing information to the public.

Mr. Samuel Agyemang Duah, the RTI Officer of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, led a team of three RTI Officers who facilitated the workshop. Mr. Duah provided a general overview of the RTI Act and its significance.

Additionally, Mr. Kwaku Agyei Owusu, the RTI Officer for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, and Mr. Emmanuel Asare, the RTI Officer for the Oforikrom Assembly, addressed the staff of the FDA, specifically focusing on their roles as managers and information holders within the context of the right to information law. They also discussed information that is exempt from disclosure.

Mr. Owusu further explained that the process of requesting information involves filling out a standard application form and submitting it to the information unit or registry of the respective public institution.

Mr. Ashraf Haruna, a staff of the institution asked what an applicant should do when the information requested has not been granted after 14 days.

In response, Mr Owusu indicated that with the implementation of the Right to Information Act, access to information is guaranteed and that applicants who felt that they had been wrongly denied access to information have the right to first seek internal review and if not satisfied with the decision, can appeal to the RTI Commission which is an external body mandated to promote, protect and enforce the RTI.

In response to a question asked by the Regional Public Information Officer, Mr Daniel Geraldo, the Oforikrom RTI Officer, Mr Asare, said it is within the interpretation of the Act for applicants not to give reasons why they’re requesting for information unless the information being sought is urgent, then the applicant must state the reason for the urgency.

“It is our right to enjoy, and no one needs to convince someone to enjoy that right,” he said.

He further explained the pieces of information that are exempted from disclosure. However, he stated that they are not absolute, that is, information classified as exempt information can be released where the benefits of disclosing the information outweigh the dangers of not disclosing it.

Mr. John Laryea Odai-Tettey, the Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority commended the officers for such the sensitization and pledged their commitment to work within the remit of the Act 989.