The Ghanaian presidency has withheld the full KPMG report regarding the GRA-SML revenue assurance contract, citing confidentiality and legal exemptions under the Right to Information Act. This decision reflects a broader tension between state secrecy and public accountability, particularly when sensitive commercial data is involved. Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah defended this stance, arguing that full disclosure offers no constructive public benefit and risks compromising sensitive information. He urged the public to respect the legal protocols governing such disclosures, suggesting that without new evidence or reassessment, the current withholding remains valid and necessary for maintaining state protocol. This case is highly relevant to open data advocates as it illustrates how governments may use statutory exemptions to block transparency initiatives. It highlights the challenges faced by civil society organizations in accessing critical governance documents, emphasizing the need for robust frameworks that balance legitimate confidentiality with the public’s right to know about state contracts and potential irregularities.
Source: myjoyonline.comPublished on 2024-05-12