The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has received nearly 80 applications for review from individuals and organisations challenging decisions by public institutions to deny them access to information.
These applications were filed by people who were dissatisfied with the responses or decisions of public institutions regarding their requests for information under the Right to Information Act.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, September 25, the General Manager of the Legal Department at the RTIC, Stephen Owusu, explained that the Commission serves as an appellate body for applicants who are not satisfied with how their requests have been handled.
“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.
He said records available to the Commission showed that the number of applications for review had steadily increased and was approaching 80.
He explained that the Commission steps in to assess complaints and determine whether a public institution was justified in refusing or limiting access to the requested information.
“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. 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 Right to Information Act provides a legal framework for citizens and organisations to access information held by public institutions, subject to exemptions provided by law.
