Public encouraged to leverage RTI Act to access information
RTIC explains application procedures, timelines and redress mechanisms under Act 989
The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has encouraged the public to leverage the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), to access information from public institutions, bridge information gaps and promote accountability.
The Commission said the RTI law gives every person the right to seek information from public institutions, including minors, persons who cannot read and write, and persons with disabilities.
It explained that in the case of minors, the capacity of the person representing the minor must be stated, while a national identification card of the minor must also be provided to the institution from which the information is being requested.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday September 29, the Upper East Regional Manager of the Right to Information Commission, Richard Antwi-Boasiako, said the law also makes provision for persons who cannot read and write to make oral applications through the Information Officer of the institution from which the information is being sought.
He explained that the Information Officer is required to document the oral application and read it back to the applicant in a language the applicant understands, in the presence of an independent witness.
Antwi-Boasiako said where the requested information is not held by the institution, the Information Officer has two days to transfer or refer the application to the appropriate institution where the information may be obtained.
He added that where the information is available, the Information Officer has 14 days to either approve or reject the application.
“When it is approved, it is mandatory for the Information Officer to give you the cost of production of the information, and it is free for the poor and persons with special abilities,” he said.
He explained that applicants whose requests are rejected have the right to trigger an internal review process.
“The Information Officer has five days to notify the head of the institution, who also has 15 days to either affirm or set aside the decision of the Information Officer to deny the release of the information,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Senior Officer at the Right to Information Commission in the Upper East Region, Prince Adofo, said members of the public could seek assistance from the Commission after exhausting the internal processes provided by the law.
“In such an instance, we use mediation, reconciliation, negotiation or arbitration to provide redress to ensure that both parties reach an agreement,” he said.
Adofo however, cautioned the public against abusing the RTI Act, warning that requests for redress could be dismissed if the Commission determines that the RTI process is being abused.
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