Photo story: How citizens were empowered to seek accountability using Ghana’s ATI law

On July 13, 2023, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, organised a one-day training at the Rhogem Hotel in Takoradi, in the Western Region. The training aimed at empowering journalists and citizen groups on the effective utilization of Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) Law.

The training was facilitated by Ms. Adizatu Moro Maiga, Programme Officer at the MFWA. The participants included youth activists, traditional and religious authorities, teachers, students, market women, and persons with disabilities among others.

Below are some photos from the one-day workshop!

Participants keenly following the presentation on the process of requesting information under Ghana’s Right to Information law.

Adizatu Moro Maiga, facilitator for the training, taking participants through some of the exemptions under the RTI Act.

“Although information is free, when you ask that it is given to you in a certain manner, it can attract a fee. It is important that you know the fees charged,” she said.

“And while it is your right to access information, you must also note that there are times your request will be denied. In such circumstances, you have the right under the RTI Act to request a review of your application, the trainer explained to participants,” Ms Maiga explained the appeal process under the RTI law

After a thrilling presentation, it was now time to hear from participants, and they were keenly engaging with eager questions!

The atmosphere of active questioning created a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, where participants not only benefited from the trainers’ expertise but also learned from one another’s perspectives and experiences.

As the training session came to an end, participants and facilitators gathered together to take a group photograph. The group photograph was a symbolic representation of their shared commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance through the effective utilization of the Right to Information (RTI) law.

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