Ghana RTI Commission: Unveils 2026 RTI Month Activities Schedule

• The Ghana Right to Information Commission announced a month-long program for September 2026 to mark RTI Month.
• Activities, running from September 1-28, aim to raise public awareness of Act 989 and culminate on the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
• The theme for the 2026 RTI Month is “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”
• Key events include media interviews, a stakeholder conference on September 24, and internal staff engagements.
• The Commission has urged public institutions to strengthen proactive disclosure and ensure full compliance with their obligations under Ghana's access to information law, Act 989.

In a significant call to action, the RTI Commission has urged public institutions across Ghana to enhance their proactive disclosure practices.

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) in Ghana has unveiled a comprehensive schedule of events for the 2026 Right to Information (RTI) Month, slated to run throughout September. This annual observance is designed to elevate public understanding and awareness of the Ghana Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989), underscoring the critical role of access to information in fostering transparency, accountability, and sound governance within the nation.

The upcoming Ghana RTI Commission 2026 RTI Month activities will operate under the theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.” The program is set to commence on September 1 and conclude on September 28, coinciding with the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information Ghana.

According to an announcement made by the Commission on Thursday, August 27, and reported by Myjoyonline.com on August 28, 2026, these month-long engagements aim to facilitate dialogue between citizens and key stakeholders. The objective is to highlight how access to information contributes significantly to promoting transparency, encouraging inclusive participation, and ensuring accountable governance across Ghana.

A central component of the RTI Commission Ghana September 2026 agenda involves extensive media outreach. Officials from the Commission are scheduled to participate in a series of radio and television interviews across major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, between September 1 and 28. These media appearances are intended to deepen public comprehension of Ghana's access to information law, Act 989, and to educate both citizens and public institutions regarding their respective duties and entitlements under the statute.

Further solidifying its commitment to stakeholder engagement, the Commission has organized a dedicated conference for September 24. This event will convene a diverse group of participants, including representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies. Civil society organizations, media outlets, academic institutions, traditional authorities, and development partners are also expected to attend.

The conference will focus on developing practical strategies to combat information disorder and bolster information integrity within Ghana’s evolving digital information landscape. Discussions will also explore methods for enhancing meaningful public involvement in decision-making processes and improving access to reliable and credible information. Additionally, the Commission plans internal staff engagement and team-building activities throughout the month, culminating in an RTIC Staff Fun Day, designed to foster teamwork and cultivate a motivated, service-oriented workforce capable of effectively fulfilling its statutory mandate.

The comprehensive program for the 2026 RTI Month directly aligns with the Commission's statutory obligations. Section 45 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), explicitly mandates the Commission to actively promote and sustain public awareness regarding the right to information. This legal provision also requires the Commission to collaborate with relevant institutions to educate the public on these crucial rights and responsibilities.

In a significant call to action, the RTI Commission has urged public institutions across Ghana to enhance their proactive disclosure practices. Furthermore, it has emphasized the necessity for these institutions to fully comply with all their obligations as stipulated under Act 989. This directive signals a renewed focus on adherence to the Ghana access to information law, indicating increased scrutiny on public bodies to ensure robust information access protocols are in place.

Beyond its direct mandate, the Commission has extended its appeal to a broader spectrum of stakeholders, recognizing their vital role in upholding information integrity in the digital age Ghana. Academia, development partners, and traditional authorities have been encouraged to lend their support to initiatives promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. This collaborative approach is deemed essential for creating an environment where information flows freely and responsibly.

The media and civil society organizations are specifically called upon to continue advocating for the right of access to information and to champion the dissemination of accurate and verified information. Concurrently, citizens are reminded of their responsibility to exercise their rights under Act 989 judiciously, to seek information from credible sources, and to actively contribute to the collective effort of building a well-informed and resilient society. These calls underscore the multifaceted approach required to embed a culture of openness and informed engagement within the Ghanaian populace.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising public institutions in Ghana should note the RTI Commission's renewed emphasis on strengthening proactive disclosure practices and full compliance with Act 989. This signals increased scrutiny and a need to review internal policies and training to ensure adherence to information access obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com