Four public institutions fine GH¢220,000 for flouting RTI law

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has levied administrative penalties totaling GH¢220,000 against four public institutions for breaching their statutory duties under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).

In a press statement issued on February 5, 2026, the Commission confirmed that the fines were the result of investigations, hearings, and determinations conducted in line with the provisions of the Act. The enforcement action is intended to ensure compliance with Ghana’s transparency laws.

The sanctioned bodies and the penalties imposed are as follows:

· National Pensions Regulatory Authority: Fined GH¢100,000 following a complaint filed by Innovative Teachers.
· Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO): Fined GH¢100,000 after a complaint by Gilbert Kekeli.
· Ghana Education Service (GES): Fined GH¢10,000 in a case brought forward by Frederick Asiamah of Corruption Watch.
· WBM Zion Senior High School: Fined GH¢10,000 based on a complaint by Daniel Yeboah.

The RTIC stated that the sanctions were imposed under Section 71(2)(f) of Act 989, which empowers the Commission to levy administrative penalties on public institutions and relevant private bodies that fail to meet their obligations under the law.

In a firm warning to all state agencies, the Commission stressed that adherence to the RTI Act is not optional.

“The Commission emphasises that compliance with Act 989 is not discretionary,” the statement read. “Failure to adhere to statutory timelines, disclosure duties, or enforcement directives constitutes a violation of law and attracts regulatory consequences.”

The RTIC has directed all public institutions to urgently strengthen their internal mechanisms for handling RTI requests, cautioning that continued flouting of the law will lead to further sanctions.

“Public institutions are therefore directed to take immediate steps to strengthen internal RTI compliance mechanisms. Continued non-compliance will attract further enforcement action,” the statement added.

The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), was enacted to operationalize Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the right of access to information held by public entities. The RTI Commission is mandated to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the Act.

The Commission reiterated its dedication to upholding the right to information as a fundamental pillar of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.

The press release was signed by Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Esq., Executive Secretary, on behalf of the Commission.

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