Corruption Watch exposes police, CHRAJ, Parliament, Judiciary, AGs Department, SSNIT over RTI violations | Ghana News Agency
A recent investigation by Corruption Watch reveals widespread non-compliance with Right to Information laws among key state institutions in Ghana. Major bodies, including the police service, judicial service, and social security trust, have been fined for refusing or failing to provide information requested by citizens. These violations underscore a systemic failure in government transparency, where entities supposed to uphold accountability are instead obstructing public access to essential data. The financial burden of these infractions is significant, with millions of cedis collected in penalties. Alarmingly, taxpayer funds are being used to pay for these fines, effectively punishing citizens twice for the government’s lack of openness. The report highlights that dozens of institutions have faced these penalties, with some entities incurring heavier losses than others, yet the underlying culture of secrecy remains largely unaddressed despite repeated legal sanctions. This article is crucial to open data discourse because it demonstrates the real-world consequences of withholding information. It illustrates that without genuine commitment to transparency, legal mechanisms alone may not suffice to enforce data accessibility. The situation emphasizes the urgent need for stronger institutional reforms and cultural shifts to prioritize open data practices, ensuring that citizens can effectively exercise their right to know without financial or administrative barriers.
Source: gna.org.ghPublished on 2025-10-01