Corruption Watch

Today, as the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information, we are reminded of Ghana’s continued call for openness and accountability. Yet, across the country, millions of cedis are being spent on penalties tied to the Right to Information law.

This is what the “cost of transparency” looks like. Watch the full Saga Over RTI documentary here: 🎥 youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM #RTISaga #WonaMoni

From the Ghana Police Service to CHRAJ, the Judicial Service, Parliamentary Service, Judicial Service, Ghana Audit Service and the Attorney-General’s Department together, these institutions have paid over ₵564,000 in fines for denying citizens access to information.

Do you know how to request for information under Ghana’s Right to Information law? Most people don’t and that’s exactly why millions of cedis have already been lost in penalties. Watch this, then go see Saga Over RTI: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM #RTISaga #WonaMoni

Watch Saga Over RTI to uncover more: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM #RTISaga #WonaMoni #Transparency #Accountability #CorruptionWatch

The Parliamentary Service, Ghana’s own lawmaking institution, has not been spared under the Right to Information law. It paid ₵53,785 in penalties to the RTI Commission for refusing to release requested public information.

Who pays when institutions break the law? Watch Saga Over RTI to find out: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM #RTISaga #WonaMoni

When public institutions handle citizens’ funds, transparency is non-negotiable. The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has paid ₵200,000 in penalties to the RTI Commission for refusing to release requested information.

When hospitals deny access to information, public accountability suffers. The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has been fined ₵100,000 by the RTI Commission for non-compliance, a penalty that remains unpaid. Find out more in Saga Over RTI: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM #RTISaga #WonaMoni

The Agricultural Development Bank tops the list of institutions fined under Ghana’s Right to Information law, paying ₵1.365 million in penalties. This is the highest single fine imposed by the RTI Commission to date. Watch 'Saga over RTI' here: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM

The Ghana Police Service has been fined three times under Ghana’s Right to Information law. So far, the Service has paid a total of ₵450,357 to the RTI Commission for denying citizens access to information. Watch Saga Over RTI here: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM #RTISaga #WonaMoni

The Public Procurement Authority (PPA), an institution mandated to promote transparency in public procurement, has been fined GHS 100,000 under Ghana’s Right to Information law for refusing to release requested information. Watch Saga Over RTI here: youtu.be/uUYb15BqjvM

Who should really pay for refusing to release public information? 📺 Saga Over RTI is premiering now on Corruption Watch YouTube. 🔗 youtube.com/watch?v=uUYb15… #RTISaga #WonaMoni #CorruptionWatch @GACC_GHANA @EuropeInGhana @tighana_ @profasiamah @ISDGhana

RTI: There is provision for gross misconduct for the individual officers - Samson Lardy Anyenini [Lawyer] #JoySMS

“I urge all public institutions to take advantage of the RTI law and make information available to the general public as a way of being transparent and accountable to the people.” — Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, Acting Director, Information Services Department #RTISaga #WonaMoni

“Once the officer detects any problem with the application, they’re supposed to get in touch with the applicant and ensure there is a rectification or correction of that application within 24 hours.” - Samson Lardy Anyenini, Private Legal Practitioner #RTISaga #WonaMoni

"RTI Commission has done excellently and I am happy they are penalizing recalcitrant institutions." - Samson Lardy Anyenini [Lawyer & Host, Newsfile] #JoySMS

“As the law states, the request goes through the Information Officer as the first level of inquiry, and if you’re not satisfied you write to the head of the institution, and if you’re still not satisfied then you go to the Commission.” - Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama.

“Our officers are the first line of approach when it comes to requests for information.” — Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, Acting Director, Information Services Department #RTISaga #WonaMoni #CorruptionWatch #Transparency

RTI: Public institutions are holding information on trust for the people, so they are supposed to let you know - Dr. Winnifred Mahama [Information Services Department] #JoySMS

"Public institutions hold information in trust for the people.” – Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, Acting Director, Information Services Department #RTISaga #WonaMoni