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RTI Bill, a camouflage to protect public officials?
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Dear Editor,
Allow me to use your space to express my views on an issue that has been a bother personally and to some well meaning Ghanaians.
The Right to information Bill (RTI) which was finally passed into law on May 21 ,2019 makes Ghana 24 out of 54 countries in Africa to have that law.
The Act provides individuals and institutions with information about public officials and institutions. This act was compiled with lots of expertise because it was produced by a committee of legislatures who make the law, with most of them being legal practitioners.
This bill was subject to review by a group of Ghanaians who were championing this course before it was finally passed. It is commendable that after about two decades the bill which was before parliament has been passed.
I, however, think that the Act carries the following “weaknesses” and must be checked.
The appointment of the commission, that is looking at objectives of this Act which is to put our leaders on their toes in aspects of corruption, embezzlement, and immoral acts. Here is the case that all the members of the commission are appointed by the president according to section 48(2) ” The members of the Board shall be appointed by the president in accordance with article 70 of the Constitution ” which makes the effectiveness of the information officers questionable (ie. They will protect public officials and institutions).
Again, these officers are immune to any legal actions from anyone according to section 74(1)” An information officer is not liable to any action, claim, suit or demand whether criminal or civil for an omission or action taken by that information officer who, in the course of duty provides information to an applicant or in compliance with the provisions of this Act”. This in a way makes section 36 of this Act futile. Therefore making the commission officers fully protected as well as public officers and institutions.
Also, the protocols to get these information are too many. And even with that, your fate is with these officers who were appointed by that same person you want information about. This is because according to section 43 clause 2(d)” dismiss an application if it considers the application to be frivolous or vexatious ” and who determines the frivolousness, it is the commission?
I hope that some of these concerns which are not exhaustive would be addressed for an effective and fairly applicable law.
Adelaide Adu-Gyamfi
Level 300 student, Ghana Institute of Journalism
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has criticised the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s directive requiring residents and traders to close their shops and participate in the August National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise.
His comments followed the Assembly’s announcement that all trading activities should cease from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 1, 2026, while residents take part in cleaning activities across the metropolis.
In a statement posted on social media, Mr Bentil described the approach as “absurd” and argued that sanitation officials were shifting their responsibilities onto the public.
“The people whose job it is to clean but have failed are asking their employers who have paid them to clean to rather leave their jobs and professions to come and do the work they’ve paid these officials to do,” he stated.
He contended that the exercise creates additional problems and reflects poor leadership and planning.
“This absurdity which only creates more problem goes on because our leaders think backwards,” he added.
Mr Bentil further stated that Ghana would need a different approach to sanitation management, saying, “When we finally wake up and get serious, this silly approach will stop.”
The AMA has maintained that the exercise is aimed at improving environmental sanitation, preventing flooding and protecting public health.
The Assembly also warned that persons who fail to participate or who engage in trading activities during the clean-up period could face arrest, fines or prosecution under its sanitation bye-laws.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The President of the Republic of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has arrived in Accra today on an official visit aimed at strengthening relations between Ghana and Gabon.
President Nguema touched down at the *Accra International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, where he was received with full military honours.
A guard of honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces welcomed the Gabonese leader and his delegation.
Shortly after his arrival, President Nguema paid a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.
He laid a wreath and signed the visitors’ book in tribute to Ghana’s founding father and pan-African icon, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Later in the day, President Nguema is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House.
The two leaders are expected to focus on deepening cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, regional security, economic development, and continental unity.
President Mahama is expected to host President Nguema to a state dinner later in the evening.
The visit underscores Ghana’s commitment to fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties with fellow African nations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
