14 Institutions fined GHC1.3m for non-compliance with RTI Law
The Right to Information Commission in Ghana has faced significant hurdles in enforcing transparency laws, primarily due to limited cooperation from public institutions. Despite the legal mandate established in 2019, compliance remains inconsistent, leading to fines for several major agencies. This lack of engagement has necessitated strict oversight, including mystery shopping exercises, to ensure that government bodies adhere to their statutory obligations to disclose information to the public. However, the implementation of the Act has seen growing public engagement, with information requests rising substantially over a three-year period. To strengthen institutional commitment, the government has integrated the Right to Information into the Key Performance Indicators for Chief Directors. This strategic move aims to institutionalize a culture of transparency within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, making compliance a measurable component of leadership performance rather than just a regulatory requirement. Technological innovation is also central to enhancing open data accessibility through the development of an Online Records Management System. This platform seeks to digitize request processing, improve record accuracy, and streamline efficiency across public institutions. For the open data community, this highlights the critical intersection between legal frameworks and digital infrastructure, demonstrating how systematic digitalization and administrative accountability are essential for transforming theoretical transparency rights into practical, accessible data for citizens.
Source: businessghana.comPublished on 2023-05-13