The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) is handling nearly 80 applications from individuals and organisations challenging decisions by public institutions to deny or restrict access to requested information.
The growing number of applications highlights increasing disputes between information seekers and public institutions over the implementation of Ghana’s Right to Information Act.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, September 25, General Manager of the Legal Department at the RTIC, Stephen Owusu, said the Commission receives such cases after applicants have exhausted the initial process with the institutions concerned.
“We are an appellate body under the Right to Information Act. People only come to the Commission when they do not get their desired results,” he said.
Mr Owusu explained that the RTIC reviews complaints to determine whether a public institution had sufficient legal grounds to refuse, limit or otherwise restrict access to the information requested.
He said the number of applications for review had been steadily increasing and was now approaching 80.
“Every year, we are mandated to report to Parliament by June 30. So, we start collecting the data at the beginning of the year. That is when we get an accurate picture of the number of requests that were made to public institutions,” he explained.
“But as far as the complaints we have received so far are concerned, I believe we are inching towards 80 applications for review of decisions by public institutions denying access to information,” he added.
The RTIC’s review process provides an avenue for applicants dissatisfied with decisions by public institutions to seek a determination on whether the refusal complies with the law.
The Right to Information Act establishes the legal framework for accessing information held by public institutions, while allowing certain categories of information to be withheld under statutory exemptions.
The Commission’s growing caseload therefore reflects the increasing use of the review mechanism by citizens and organisations seeking to challenge decisions concerning access to public information.
