News
RTI Bill, a camouflage to protect public officials?
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
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
