By Ernest Nutsugah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 26, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has urged public institutions to provide timely and accurate information to help build public trust and fulfill citizen’s right to information.
In a speech read on his behalf at the 2026 Right to Information (RTI) Stakeholders Conference in Accra, he said public officials must regard access to information as part of their duties, maintain responsible and transparent communication with citizens, and ensure public information was kept in accordance with the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989).
President Mahama noted that digital technologies enhanced speed and easy access to information but reliable information from public offices could help counter false claims made, especially on social media platforms.
“Where reliable inform is difficult to obtain, rumours can fill the gap…The RTI is more than a legal entitlement; it is a practical means of building public trust…,” he said.
“When public institutions keep proper records, repond to request within the law, and communicate clearly, they give citizens a sound basis to assess what they hear.”
He urged the media, the RTI Commission, and other stakeholders to deepen public understanding of the RTI Act and help citizen to access information responsibly.
“Our measure of progress must be the experience of persons seeking information…Make information that can be published readily available, equip officers to handle requests properly…Where access must be lawfully restricted, please explain the grounds with care,” he added.
The conference, on the theme: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder,” provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on experiences and explore solutions to safeguarding information integrity in the country.
Madam Shamima Muslim, Deputy Government Spokesperson, reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent governance and urged institutions to correct false claims promptly while citizens desist from sharing false information.
She encouraged heads of public institutions to take full responsibility for the application and implementation of the RTI Act to deepen governance.
“Where public institutions hold the facts, they have a duty to make it accessible in accordance with the law. As a government, we do not fear media scrutiny…what we expect is fairness to the fact,” she noted.
“Let us make it possible for Ghanaians to examine decisions on the evidence, correct falsehoods before they take hold…the RTI belongs to the public; our duty is to make it work for them,” she said.
Dr James Asante, Board Chairman, RTI Commission, emphaised the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promoted transparency, responsible communication, and improve access to information.
Public institutions, he said, must be proactive in making information available and accessible, while the media continued to uphold the standards of professionalism and accuracy.
He commended partners for supporting the Commission’s work and called on stakeholders to help build a society where access to information served as a foundation for democratic development and national progress.
Discussions highlighted effective implementation of the RTI, access to information and information integrity, and how public institutions could improve the accuracy, timeliness, accessibility and usability of information released to the public.
Ghana’s Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) operationalises the constitutional right to information guaranteed under Article 21(1).
The legislation, among other things, establishes clear procedures for requesting information held by public institutions and empowers the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) to independently oversee, promote, and enforce compliance.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
26 Sept 2026
Reporter: Ernest Nutsugah