The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) was passed by the Parliament of Ghana in March 2019 and assented to by the President on May 21, 2019. This landmark legislation operationalizes Article 21 (1) (f) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees every Ghanaian the right to access information held by public institutions, subject to certain exemptions necessary in a democratic society. The RTI Act is a major step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Ghana by ensuring that citizens have the legal backing to demand and access relevant information from government bodies.

The POS Foundation a member of the RTI coalition since 2008 has supported activities organized by the secretariat CHRI and other stakeholders across the country representing the youth on the coalition . The POS Foundation has served as a member of the coalition Steering Committee.

Background and Advocacy for RTI

The journey to the passage of the RTI Act spans nearly two decades, with its first draft dating back to 2002. Advocacy efforts were led by civil society organizations, media groups, and legal practitioners, pushing for greater access to government-held information.

POS Foundation played a critical role in this process as a leading advocate for the passage of the RTI Bill. Representing the youth on the Coalition on the Right to Information (RTI), spearheaded by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) Africa Office, POS Foundation mobilized various stakeholders, including students, journalists, and the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). The Foundation also led awareness campaigns across all regions of Ghana ahead of parliamentary consultations, ensuring that citizens were informed and engaged in the legislative process.

Through street protests, media advocacy, and policy dialogues, POS Foundation and other coalition members applied sustained pressure on policymakers, contributing significantly to the passage of the RTI Act in 2019.

The passage of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic governance. While challenges remain, the Act has empowered citizens, journalists, and civil society to demand greater transparency and accountability from public institutions

Impact of the RTI Act

Since its implementation in 2020, the RTI Act has led to several key developments:

Increased Citizen Participation: More Ghanaians are now engaging with government agencies to request information on budgets, public procurement, and governance decisions.
Enhanced Media Investigations: Journalists have used the RTI Act to access critical government records, strengthening investigative journalism in Ghana.
Improved Government Accountability: The proactive disclosure requirement has pushed public institutions to be more transparent in their operations.
Challenges in Implementation: Despite progress, challenges such as bureaucratic delays, high request fees, and institutional resistance remain areas for continued advocacy.

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Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989): Enhancing Accountability and Transparency in Ghana

Background and Advocacy for RTI

The passage of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic governance. While challenges remain, the Act has empowered citizens, journalists, and civil society to demand greater transparency and accountability from public institutions

Impact of the RTI Act

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