Ghana’s commitment to transparency has come under renewed scrutiny after four public institutions were sanctioned for violating the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The penalties, amounting to GH¢220,000, highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing citizens’ access to public information.
RTI Commission Cracks Down on Non-Compliance
The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) imposed the fines after determining that the affected institutions failed to meet their legal obligations under the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989). The law guarantees citizens the right to request and receive information from public institutions within specified timelines.
“The Commission emphasises that compliance with Act 989 is not discretionary. Failure to adhere to statutory timelines, disclosure duties, or enforcement directives constitutes a violation of law and attracts regulatory consequences,”
However, repeated delays, refusals, or outright failure to respond to information requests triggered the sanctions. Authorities say such actions undermine transparency and weaken public trust in governance systems.
The institutions affected by the sanctions include the Ghana Education Service, WBM Zion Senior High School, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office. Each organisation received fines ranging between GH¢10,000 and GH¢100,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) was ordered to pay a GH¢10,000 fine after a case initiated by Frederick Asiamah from Corruption Watch. Similarly, WBM Zion Senior High School was also fined GH¢10,000 after a complaint was lodged against the institution by Daniel Yeboah.
The Commission clarified that the fines were issued in line with Section 71(2)(f) of Act 989, a provision that empowers it to take administrative action against public institutions and applicable private organizations that do not meet their legal responsibilities under the law.
Why the RTI Law Matters
The RTI Act plays a critical role in promoting accountability and good governance. It allows journalists, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens to access public records and hold institutions accountable for their actions.
Under the law, information officers are required to respond to requests within 14 days. If they fail to do so, applicants can escalate the matter to the head of the institution and ultimately to the RTI Commission.
Despite these clear provisions, compliance remains inconsistent. Data from oversight bodies shows that dozens of public institutions have been fined over the years for similar violations.
Growing Financial Impact on the State
The GH¢220,000 penalty is part of a broader trend. By mid-2025, fines imposed on public institutions for RTI breaches had reached approximately GH¢5.6 million, with a significant portion still unpaid.
Experts warn that these fines ultimately burden taxpayers, as the penalties are often paid from public funds rather than from the responsible officials personally.
This raises concerns about whether financial sanctions alone are sufficient to enforce compliance or deter repeated violations.
Calls for Stronger Enforcement
Governance advocates are calling for stricter enforcement mechanisms. They argue that beyond financial penalties, there should be administrative consequences for officials who repeatedly ignore RTI obligations.
Others suggest increased training for public officers and better record management systems to improve response times and compliance rates.
The RTI Commission has also emphasized that paying fines does not absolve institutions from releasing the requested information. Compliance remains mandatory even after penalties are imposed.
“Public institutions are therefore directed to take immediate steps to strengthen internal RTI compliance mechanisms. Continued non-compliance will attract further enforcement action,” the statement added.
What This Means for Ghanaians
For Ghanaian citizens, the development is both concerning and encouraging. While the violations show persistent gaps in transparency, the enforcement action demonstrates that oversight institutions are actively holding public bodies accountable.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the RTI law depends on consistent enforcement and a cultural shift within public institutions toward openness and responsiveness.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic framework, ensuring full compliance with the RTI Act will remain a key priority.
