Right to Information

Overview

RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2019, ACT 989

Article 21 (1) (f) of the Constitution of Ghana Provides as follows:

“All persons shall have the right to information, subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society.”

The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) was passed by the Parliament of Ghana in 2019, and assented to by the President same year to give constitutional right to access information held by public institutions in Ghana.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration recognizes the importance of the RTI law to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs particularly in a democratic society like Ghana. The Ministry’s RTI implementation plans and procedures are guided by five fundamental principles relevant to the access of information. These principles are legal guarantees of access to information, proactive disclosure, access to information implementation and procedures, adherence to best international standards and respect for individuals’ right to privacy.

In line with this, the Ministry has established the Right to Information (RTI) Unit, which is operated by an Information Officer.

However, access to information would be subject to the exemptions that are relevant with the protection of the public interest as stipulated in the Act.

Access To Information Manual

Download Manual

Application

In accordance with Section 18 of the RTI Act, 2019, application to access information within the Ministry  shall be made in writing or verbally.

 Written applications shall:

• Be addressed to the Information Officer of the Ministry of
  Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
• Contain sufficient description or particulars to  facilitate the retrieval of the required information.
• Indicate the form and manner of access required.
• State the capacity of the applicant to the satisfaction of the information officer to whom the application
  is made, if the application is being made on behalf of another person.
• State the name of the applicant, an address to which a communication or notice can be sent.
• Provide an identification card of the applicant.
• Be signed by the applicant.

OR

Click on the link below to download the RTI Request Form Download Form Fill it out and submit to rti@mfa.gov.gh

For further enquiries, please contact us on:

Telephone:  +233 2409 13 284
Email:  rti@mfa.gov.gh

Exemptions

Some exempt information of this public institution in accordance with the RTI Act, 2019 are;

• Information for the President or the Vice President
• Information relating to Cabinet
• Information relating to law enforcement and public safety
• Information affecting international relations
• Information that affects the security of the State
• Economic and any other interests
• Economic information of third parties
• Information relating to tax
• Internal working information of public institutions
• Parliamentary privilege, fair trial, contempt of court
• Privilege information
• Disclosure of personal matters