RTI Implementation Challenges: Information minister calls for adequate resource to ensure effective functioning 

Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, ESQ Minister for Information has called for adequate resource to ensure effective functioning and smooth transition of the Right to Information Act(RTI) 2019 (ACT 989).

Appearing before parliament and presenting the Minister’s report on the activities of public

institutions and the Right to Information (RTI) Commission for the period January to December 2023,she explained that in 2023, there were a number of challenges faced in the

implementation of the RTI Act, 2019 which included lack of adequate financial resources and high attrition of officers.

“Mr. Speaker, in 2023, there were a number of challenges faced in the implementation of the RTI Act, 2019.Lack of adequate financial resources to undertake activities that

will ensure effective functioning of the supply side of the Right to Information (RTI) architecture including quality assurance.”

“Logistical constraints including reliable internet infrastructure hindering the work of Information officers particularly those in the MMDAs.”she outlined 

ESQ Fatimatu Abubakar further told parliament that During the year under review, they observed a notable number of resignations among RTI officers,of which reasons cited by the exited officers included traveling for further studies and job opportunities. 

“This has reduced the number of RTI officers across various public institutions, making it difficult for the Division to provide back-end support to institutions”she disclosed 

Also, the Minister again explained challenges in getting some public institutions to comply with some aspects of the law,whereby  Heads of public institutions were still signing-off responses to RTI requests contrary to Section 19 of the RTI Act, 2019.

However,she went on to plead that in the  ensuing years, it is imperative that the budgetary allocations for the RTI Commission and the ATI Division are shored up to enable them to function effectively.

“Additionally, Mr Speaker, financial clearance needs to be provided as a matter of urgency to enable the RTI Commission complete the recruitment of its full complement of staff to resource its regional offices in Kumasi, Sunyani and Bolgatanga.”she called

Report by  PKB