In a significant stride towards promoting transparency and access to information, Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, recently presented the 2022 report on the performance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to Parliament. The presentation, in line with section 77(4) of Act 989 of the 1992 Constitution, shed light on the remarkable initiatives and achievements made during the past year in advancing openness and accountability in the country.
During his address to the House, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah underscored the pivotal role played by the Access to Information (ATI) Division of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the RTI Commission in driving the implementation of the RTI Act. He stated, "We have made significant strides in enhancing the implementation of the RTI Act," and highlighted five major tasks accomplished by the ATI Division during the year. Among these tasks were the recruitment and deployment of Information Officers and providing support to information units.
One noteworthy aspect of the government's commitment to transparency he said was the inclusion of RTI compliance as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Chief Director's Performance Agreement for public institutions. This move emphasized the administration's dedication to ensuring accountability and openness across the board.
The Minister also commended the RTI Commission for its achievements in the year gone by. Notably, the Commission secured prosecutorial authority from the Attorney General of the Republic, enabling it to pursue legal action against individuals and institutions that violated the RTI Act. The Commission also conducted compliance surveys, reviewed applications, and received additional logistics to enhance its operational efficiency.
According to valuable statistics presented in the report, out of an expected 683 institutions, 382 submitted annual reports to the RTI Commission, with 55% compliance. Throughout the year, these institutions received a total of 783 applications, and the Commission took appropriate action on 669 of them, either approving, rejecting, transferring, or deferring the requests in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act.
Looking ahead, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah shared the plans for the coming year. The ATI Division aims to implement the Online Records Management System, streamlining the process for applying and receiving requests online, thereby making it more accessible and efficient for the public. The Minister also pledged to present the legislative instrument for the RTI Act to Parliament before the year's end, demonstrating the government's continuous efforts to improve transparency.
With regards to the RTI Commission's future plans, the Minister said the regulator is working on establishing field offices in Kumasi and Sunyani, bringing services closer to the Ghanaian people. Additionally, the Commission will continue its public sensitization efforts while intensifying its endeavors to populate the outstanding 333 public institutions with Information Officers, subject to available finances.
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