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The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) marked a significant milestone on October 23, 2025, with a grand Stakeholders’ Conference held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

The event, themed “𝐑𝐓𝐈 @ 𝟓: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐫𝐚”, brought together esteemed guests from public and private institutions, the media, civil society organizations, and international partners

The conference provided a platform to share achievements, discuss policy directions, and explore collaboration opportunities aimed at advancing the work of the Commission.  Dignitaries in attendance included Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Executive Secretary of the RTIC; His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications; and Dr. Dominic Akurutinga Ayine, Minister for Justice and Attorney General.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey highlighted the Commission’s progress, achievements, and challenges over the past five years, and outlined strategic priorities, and vision for the Commission’s future growth. Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu commended the Commission’s steadfast commitment to promoting access to information and transparency, while Dr. Dominic Akurutinga Ayine reaffirmed the government’s commitment to open justice, good governance, and accountability.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the Commission officially unveiled its 5th Anniversary Commemorative cloth, symbolizing unity and the collective journey of Ghana’s transparency agenda.

The event was attended by members of the Governing Board of RTIC, Management and staff of the Commission, Civil Society Organizations, and other key stakeholders.

The Commission also extended special recognition to strategic partners and collaborators whose unwavering support and contributions have been instrumental to the success and growth of the RTI regime since its inception.

On Tuesday 19th August ,2025 the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) officially launched its 5th Anniversary celebrations alongside the annual RTI Month at a press briefing held at the RTIC Head Office, Dzorwulu.

The event was chaired by the Executive Secretary, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘆 , Esq. This year’s celebration is themed: “𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖 @𝟱: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗿𝗮.”

In her remarks, Ms. Lartey emphasized that the 5th Anniversary is not merely a celebration, but also a call to action. She urged the Commission and Stakeholders to reflect on progress made over the past five years, recognize the challenges that remain, and renew their shared responsibility in advancing transparency and accountability in Ghana.

The Executive Secretary also outlined a series of activities planned to mark the milestone, including;

• Media and Civic engagements

• A Stakeholders’ Conference

• Team bonding programmes and

• Thanksgiving Service.

She further indicated that the Commission will join the International community in commemorating the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗜𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗜), later this year. Members of the press present were also given the opportunity to ask questions.

In attendance were Mrs. Elizabeth Asare, (Deputy Board Chair) Nana Kwame Duah and Mrs. Victoria Susuawu, (Board Members) as well as Management and Staff of the Commission.

On Monday, 11th August 2025, the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Esq., led a delegation from the Commission to the Ceremonial Garden at Jubilee House to pay their last respects to the eight compatriots who tragically lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash.

The delegation included Mr. Stephen Owusu, Esq., Head of the Legal Department; Ms. Kate Swanzy, General Manager, Administration; Mr. Vincent Opoku, General Manager, Finance; Ms. Audrey Korlekuor Odjeawo, Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary and Mr. Frederick Kofi Amoah, Corporate Affairs Unit.

The Commission joins the nation in mourning the loss of these patriots.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

The Right to Information Commission of Ghana participated in the 2025 International Conference for Information Commissioners (ICIC) held from June 23rd to June 25th, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. This significant global gathering brought together Information Commissioners and professionals from across the world to exchange ideas, best practices and innovations related to the promotion and protection of the right of access to information. The purpose of the ICIC is to enhance transparency, accountability and citizen engagement through effective information governance practices.

Representing the Commission at this year’s conference were Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey, the Executive Secretary and Nana Kwame Duah, Member of the Governing Board. Their participation underscored Ghana’s commitment to the principles of openness and accountability which are essential to democratic governance. The conference served as a valuable platform for sharing Ghana’s experiences and challenges in implementing effective right to information systems, while fostering collaborative solutions to common issues among participating countries.  

During the conference, the Commission presented a comprehensive report on its successful collaboration with UNESCO, which culminated in Ghana hosting the 2024 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This collaboration focused not only on advocacy for the right to information but also on raising awareness among individuals and institutions about the significance of universal access to information as a fundamental human right.  

Furthermore, the Commission shared updates on its public sensitization initiatives,  including targeted outreach to churches and mosques. These engagement activities play a critical role in promoting a culture of information-sharing and transparency within communities, encouraging citizens to actively exercise their right to access information.

It highlighted the critical role that  access to information plays in empowering citizens, strengthening civic engagement, and enhancing democratic values. Through continued collaboration, knowledge sharing and the adoption of effective practices, the RTI Commission remains dedicated to building a more open and informed society where information is accessible to all.  

On Monday, 14th July 2025, the Executive Secretary of the Right to information Commission, Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey Esq., led a delegation on a courtesy working visit to the GIZ Ghana Country office in Cantonments Accra.

The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in promoting transparency and accountability in public governance. The visit also served as an opportunity to formally introduce Ms. Lartey in her new role as Executive Secretary, following her recent appointment by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. She was warmly received by Ms. Astrid Kohl, GIZ Country Programme Director and Mr. Kweku Lartey Obeng, Component Manager.

The RTI Commission delegation included Mr. Stephen Owusu, Esq., General Manager- Legal Department, Mr. Kofi Amoah Sarpong, General Manager PPBME & EIC Department, Mr. Michael Duodu – Sakyiama, PPBME, Ms. Audrey Korlekuor Odjeawo from the Executive Secretary’s office and Mr. Frederick Kofi Amoah, Corporate Affairs.

Ms. Lartey expressed appreciation to GIZ Ghana for its longstanding support and emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership to enhance transparency and accountability within the public governance space. She reiterated the commission’s commitment to promoting and enforcing the constitutional right of access to information which remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and public accountability.

Congratulations to Ms. Geneveive Shirley Lartey Esq. We wish her every success in her new role and look forward to working together to further the mission of the Commission.

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a significant milestone was marked at the Presidency as Ms. Genevieve Shirley Lartey Esq. was officiall sworn in as the new Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission. The ceremony, presided over by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, was attended by members of the RTI Commission’s board who witnessed Ms. Lartey’s formal induction into office.

This momentous occasion signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the RTI Commission and its operations in advancing transparency and accountability in Ghana.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Lartey on her appointment and express our confidence in her Leadership. Her experience and dedication are expected to play a vital role in strengthening the Commission’s operations and promoting citizen’s right to access information.

The Right to Information Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian can fully exercise their right to access information. With Ms. Lartey at the helm, we are optimistic about continued progress and collaborative efforts to deepen transparency and good governance across the country.

Congratulations to Ms. Geneveive Shirley Lartey Esq.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXTENDED TIMELINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF 2024 RTI ANNUAL REPORTS BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

In accordance with Section 77 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), public institutions were required to submit their 2024 Right to Information (RTI) annual reports by 1st March 2025. Despite this legal obligation, some institutions have failed to comply.

As a measure to ensure compliance, the Right to Information Commission has extended the submission deadline to 31st March 2025.

All public institutions must submit their annual reports, which must include the following details as stipulated under Section 77(2) of Act 989:

The number of Right to Information (RTI) applications received between January 2024 and December 2024.

The number of requests received, requests fully approved, partially granted, transferred, referred, deferred, or rejected, along with reasons for rejection.

The number of reviews requested, and of which granted or dismissed, accompanied by the reasons for dismissal.

Any applications made to the court for judicial review, along with the outcomes, if applicable.

Any other noteworthy matters relevant to the RTI Act, Act 989.

Failure to submit the reports by 31st March 2025 will result in immediate administrative penalties as stipulated in Section 71(2)(f) of Act 989.

Reports must be submitted via email to reports@rtic.gov.gh, with a copy sent to the official RTI Commission’s email rticommission@rtic.gov.gh, or by postal mail to P.O. Box YK1179, Kanda-Accra

Institutions are expected to fulfill their legal obligations without further delay to avoid penalties.

SIGNED

YAW SARPONG BOATENG Esq.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
RIGHT TO INFORMATION COMMISSION