**RTI Commission Sensitizes MoTAC Staff on the Right to Information Law**
In a significant stride toward fostering transparency and accountability, the Right to Information (RTI) Commission organized a sensitization program for the staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTAC). The initiative aimed to deepen the understanding of the RTI Law, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring good governance and public sector efficiency.
The Right to Information Act, enacted to promote transparency in public affairs, empowers citizens to access information held by public institutions. This law is seen as a tool for combating corruption and enabling informed public participation in governance. Recognizing the importance of this legislation, the RTI Commission has intensified efforts to educate public officials and the broader populace on its provisions and implementation processes.
The sensitization program for MoTAC’s staff covered critical aspects of the RTI Law, including the roles and responsibilities of public officials, the procedures for processing information requests, and the penalties for non-compliance. The session underscored the importance of maintaining efficient records and ensuring timely responses to information requests.
### Empowering MoTAC to Deliver Transparent Services
MoTAC’s role in the tourism, arts, and culture sectors makes it a critical stakeholder in advancing national development. Through this program, the RTI Commission aimed to ensure that the ministry’s staff are well-versed in their obligations under the law, particularly as they pertain to the dissemination of information related to policy decisions, cultural heritage preservation, and tourism management.
Participants were reminded that the RTI Act not only mandates the provision of information but also requires public institutions to proactively disclose key data. This includes financial records, strategic plans, and operational decisions that directly impact citizens. By adhering to these provisions, MoTAC can enhance public trust and improve its service delivery.
### Challenges and Opportunities
During the interactive sessions, staff highlighted challenges such as inadequate record-keeping systems, a lack of digital infrastructure, and limited personnel trained in handling information requests. The RTI Commission acknowledged these concerns and encouraged MoTAC to invest in capacity-building initiatives and modernize its data management processes.
On the flip side, participants expressed enthusiasm about the potential of the RTI Law to improve stakeholder engagement. With access to information, citizens can contribute more effectively to policy discussions and hold public officials accountable for decisions affecting the tourism and arts sectors.
### A Step Toward Greater Accountability
The RTI Commission reiterated its commitment to supporting public institutions like MoTAC in implementing the law. By creating awareness and building capacity, the commission aims to bridge the gap between legal provisions and practical application.
As MoTAC’s staff become more knowledgeable about the RTI Law, the ministry is better positioned to serve as a model of transparency in the public sector. This initiative reflects a broader push to integrate the principles of openness and accountability into Ghana’s governance framework.
In conclusion, the sensitization of MoTAC staff by the RTI Commission marks a positive step toward realizing the full potential of the RTI Law. It reinforces the collective responsibility of public institutions to uphold transparency, foster public trust, and drive national development through informed citizen participation.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0