The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has imposed GH¢20,000 administrative fines on 254 public institutions across Ghana for failing to submit their 2025 Right to Information (RTI) Annual Reports within the deadline required under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).
The affected institutions include major Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as public organizations such as the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and the 37 Military Hospital.
RTI Commission Enforces Right to Information Act
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the RTI Commission said the sanctions were applied under Section 77(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which requires all public institutions to submit annual reports detailing the implementation of the RTI law.
According to the Commission, the institutions failed to comply despite several official reminders published in the Ghanaian Times on January 20, 2026, and the Daily Graphic on April 24, 2026.
Annual RTI Reports Essential for Transparency and Accountability
The RTI Commission explained that annual reports submitted by public institutions are crucial for compiling its consolidated Annual Report to Parliament, which assesses the implementation of the Right to Information law across Ghana.
The Commission noted that the legal deadline for preparing and submitting the 2025 RTI Annual Report to Parliament has already passed, making enforcement action necessary against institutions that failed to fulfill their statutory obligations.
It emphasized that compliance with the reporting requirements is a key pillar of government transparency, public sector accountability, and citizens’ access to information.
Defaulting Institutions Given 14 Days to Pay GH¢20,000 Fine
The Commission has directed all defaulting public institutions to pay the GH¢20,000 administrative penalty within 14 days after receiving formal notification.
It warned that institutions that fail to settle the fines within the stipulated period will face additional enforcement actions as provided under the Right to Information Act.
According to the Commission, compliance with the RTI reporting requirements is a legal obligation, not a discretionary responsibility for heads of public institutions.
RTI Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Open Governance
The Right to Information Commission reiterated its commitment to the full enforcement of the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989) and pledged to continue promoting transparency, accountability, and public access to information across Ghana’s public institutions.
The Commission also released the full list of the 254 public institutions that have been sanctioned for failing to submit their 2025 Right to Information Annual Reports.
Source: newsthemegh.com