The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has begun legal action against more than 50 public institutions. These bodies have refused to release information requested by citizens. The commission is using the courts to ensure compliance with Ghana’s RTI Act.
Stephen Owusu, Head of Legal at the RTI Commission, announced this development. He explained that the RTI Act did not clearly state penalties for ignoring commission orders. This led the commission to develop a strategy of seeking judicial enforcement. The commission aims to make institutions release requested data. It also seeks to enforce administrative penalties when required.
This situation arose because of ongoing challenges in implementing the RTI Act. This law, passed in 2019, aims to increase openness in government. It allows citizens to ask for public records. However, many journalists and groups complain about long waits and outright refusals. The RTI Commission has documented over 50 court cases filed since adopting its legal strategy. These cases target institutions that ignore commission directives.
The commission has seen positive results in these court cases. Mr. Owusu stated that the commission has achieved at least a 95% success rate. The RTI Commission uses the courts to get two main things for applicants. These are orders to release information and to enforce financial penalties. The commission encourages citizens to report any non-compliance they experience.
These legal actions signal a tough stance on transparency enforcement. They could push more institutions to comply with information requests. This is crucial for good governance. Citizens and organizations will be watching how this affects access to public records. It impacts how accountable public bodies are.
The RTI Act is a cornerstone of democratic accountability. Its effective implementation is vital. The commission’s litigation efforts underscore the importance of this law. It pushes for proactive disclosure of public information. This helps reduce corruption. It also builds public trust in government institutions.