RIGHT TO INFORMATION

Published: 30 Jan 2023

BACKGROUND

Ghana recognised the right to public information as a human right in 1992 and made a provision for it in the 1992 Constitution. Article 21(1) (f) of the constitution states that “All persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary for a democratic society”. This provision guarantees a person – irrespective of gender, nationality, and ethnicity and any other physical or social differentiation – access to information in the custody of a “public institution” and any “relevant private body”.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2019 (ACT 989)?

The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), is an Act of Parliament that provides for the implementation of the constitutional right of persons to access official information held by public institutions (and relevant private institutions that receive public resources or perform public functions), subject to the exemptions that are necessary and consistent with the protection of public interest in Ghana.

Information under the RTI Act, 2019 refers to a recorded matter or material (regardless of form or medium) in the possession or under control or custody of a public institution.

As a department attached to the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly, the Information Services Department assists in handling all enquiries and constantly check with various units/departments (such as records/registry/front desk) to track correspondences related to Right to Information applications for necessary action and also receive, record, acknowledge, and process applications for information within the procedures and periods as prescribed in the law, while maintaining an accurate and up-to-date register of requests (including details on any disclosures, refusals, advice, and guidance).