By Christabel DANSO ABEAM

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) plans to launch a Braille edition of the RTI Act along with a compact guide tailored for students. This initiative seeks to enhance accessibility and support Individuals With Disabilities (PWDS), particularly those who are visually challenged, while also informing children about the importance of the RTI Act by the conclusion of this year.

“Launching the Braille version will help persons with disabilities fully utilize their constitutional right to access information, and the compact brochure will also increase understanding among youth regarding the significance of RTI,” said Executive Secretary-RTIC, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey.

She revealed these plans during the fifth-anniversary event of the RTIC in Accra, scheduled for 9th October 2025. The festivities will take place under the chosen theme
RTI at Five: Promoting Openness and Responsibility via Public Access to Environmental Data in the Online Age.

She emphasized that the topic is current and important—pointing out not just a five-year progression but also the worldwide attention directed toward providing access to environmental data, along with using digital technology as a means of promoting inclusivity and supporting sustainable growth.

Highlighting the Commission’s accomplishments, she noted that there has been greater openness, responsibility, and public involvement since its creation in October 2020 pursuant to Act 989.

“The Commission has intentionally worked through its main annual initiative ‘Right to Information Month’ and adherence monitoring to enhance public understanding and involve key participants—placing access to information as an essential means for effective governance and long-term growth,” she further stated.

In events commemorating the occasion, she highlighted efforts such as media and community involvement aimed at enhancing knowledge about the RTI Act, a meeting with interested parties to assess advancements and outline future steps, group development projects designed to enhance cooperation within institutions, and a ceremony of gratitude.

RTIC also becomes part of the worldwide community in observing the 2025 International Day for Universal Access to Information, with the chosen theme
Guaranteeing Availability of Environmental Data in the Modern Era”
“Securing Public Access to Ecological Information in Today’s World”
“Facilitating Access to Environmental Knowledge in the Online Era”
“Maintaining Transparency: Environmental Information in the Digital Landscape”
“Promoting Openness: Environmental Data in the 21st Century”
“Accessing Environmental Insights in an Increasingly Digitized Society”
“Making Environmental Information Available in the Contemporary Context”
“Easing Access to Environmental Details in the Digital Era”
“Safeguarding Public Right to Environmental Data in the New Millennium”
“Opening Doors to Environmental Information Through Technology

Encouraging involvement, the Executive Secretary called on people, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies to collaborate in maintaining a system of leadership based on transparency and responsibility.

Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, highlighted several issues during her introductory speech at the event—such as limited resources including funding shortages, insufficient infrastructure, and a shortage of personnel—and urged all relevant parties to provide assistance.

Nevertheless, she emphasized the Commission’s dedication to facilitating straightforward access to information via proper avenues and urged businesses to adhere to requests for sharing pertinent details.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).