Suhum Municipal Assembly

Right To Information

In Ghana, the Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental legal right enshrined in the country's constitution and reinforced by the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). This legislation grants citizens the right to access information held by public institutions, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Key aspects of the Right to Information in Ghana include:

1.⁠ ⁠Access to Information: Citizens have the right to request information from public authorities and institutions. This includes data, documents, and records that are held by these entities.

2.⁠ ⁠Request Procedure: To access information, individuals must submit a formal request to the relevant public authority. The request should specify the information sought, and authorities are required to respond within a defined period, typically 14 days.

3.⁠ ⁠Exceptions and Exemptions: There are certain exceptions to this right. Information that is classified for reasons such as national security, personal privacy, or commercial confidentiality may be withheld.

4.⁠ ⁠Appeals and Complaints: If a request is denied or not responded to in a timely manner, individuals have the right to appeal the decision. The RTI Act provides mechanisms for lodging complaints and seeking redress.

5.⁠ ⁠Promotion of Accountability: The RTI framework aims to foster an environment where public officials are more accountable to the citizens they serve by making their operations and decisions more transparent.

The RTI Act is a significant step towards enhancing democratic governance in Ghana by empowering citizens with the tools to scrutinize and hold public institutions accountable.