Have a thorough understanding of RTI provisions file request — Presidency tells public

President Akufo-Addo's administration has urged the public to have a thorough understanding of the Right to Information (RTI) Act when filing requests.

This follows an earlier refusal by the presidency to provide the full KPMG report on the GRA-SML transaction, citing exemptions under the RTI law.

In a press release on Wednesday, May 22, signed by Director of Communications Eugene Arhin, the presidency reiterated "the necessity for those who file applications and requests under the RTI Act to have a thorough understanding of its provisions."

The statement further noted that "It is vital to appreciate that the legal framework for access to information includes safeguards intended to protect the sanctity of decision-making at the highest levels of government, which must not be compromised or misused in the pursuit of access to information."

This comes after pressure from transparency advocates for the release of the full report in the interest of public accountability.

However, in a new twist, President Akufo-Addo has now directed for publication of the 306-page KPMG report, signalling the need for requesters to be fully aware of constraints under the RTI law.