Mr. Yaw Sarpong Boateng, the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, has highlighted the Commission's current emphasis on sensitizing public institutions about their roles under the RTI Act rather than prioritizing punitive measures for non-compliance.
The Commission aims to enhance awareness and understanding among institutions and personnel responsible for releasing information to applicants.
During a public forum in Accra, Mr. Boateng stated, “Our focus now is to educate and sensitise heads of institutions and persons mandated to release information to applicants to understand their roles under the RTI Act, to improve response to requests.”
Despite the Commission's prosecutorial powers, the focus on education aims to address compliance challenges. Compliance Surveys conducted in 2022 revealed that 34.23% of the 149 monitored public institutions were non-compliant, with limited knowledge of the Act identified as a contributing factor.
Mr. Boateng reassured, “It is essential that we come together as a community, not only to offer sympathies but to provide tangible support to those affected.”
The Commission received 95 applications for review, and while 27 applications underwent the full process, 31 were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mr. Boateng encouraged unity and support for the communities affected by the Akosombo Dam Spillage.
Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, highlighted the importance of the RTI Act and the Commission's efforts to assert independence.
He discussed different models for the institutional framework and enforcement of the RTI Legislation, emphasizing the need for an efficient and effective process.
The review of the RTI Act serves as a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, challenges, and the Act's overall effectiveness in promoting accountability and transparency in public resource management.