Open Records Laws › Ghana

Ghana

Right to Information Act

Act 989 of 2019

RTI Rating: 97 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
14 days
Extension
7 days
Residency Required
False

14 calendar days from receipt (Section 18(1)). Extension of up to 7 additional days with written notice if request requires search through large volume of records (Section 18(4)). Deemed refusal if no response within deadline (Section 18(6)).

No residency or citizenship requirement. Section 1(1) grants the right to "a person" to access information held by a public institution. Article 21(1)(f) of the Constitution guarantees the right to information.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'method': 'Written Request', 'details': 'Written application in the prescribed form to the information officer (Section 16).'}
  • {'method': 'Oral Request', 'details': 'Oral requests accepted; the information officer must reduce it to writing and provide a copy to the applicant (Section 16(2)).'}
  • {'method': 'In Person', 'details': 'At the offices of the public institution.'}
  • {'method': 'Mail', 'details': 'Postal mail to the information officer.'}
  • {'method': 'Email', 'details': 'Electronic submission accepted.'}

Fees

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information that could prejudice security or sovereignty (Section 5)
  • International Relations
    Information that could damage international relations (Section 6)
  • Law Enforcement
    Information relating to law enforcement and prevention of crime (Section 7)
  • Privacy
    Personal information of third parties (Section 8)
  • Commercial Interests
    Trade secrets and commercially confidential information (Section 9)
  • Deliberative Process
    Information on internal deliberations and policy advice (Section 10)
  • Legal Privilege
    Legally privileged information (Section 11)
  • Health/Safety
    Information that could endanger health or safety (Section 12)
  • Cabinet
    Information relating to Cabinet proceedings (Section 13)
  • Economic Interests
    Information that could harm the economic interests of Ghana (Section 14)

Appeal Process

1

Step 1

Review by head of the public institution within 10 days of refusal (Section 20). Decision within 7 days.

2

Step 2

Complaint to the Right to Information Commission within 60 days (Section 25). Commission investigates and may order disclosure.

3

Step 3

Appeal to the High Court from Commission decision (Section 31). Court may order disclosure.

Request Templates

Standard Request

Under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), I hereby request access to the following information: [DESCRIPTION]. Preferred format: [FORMAT]. Contact: [NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL, PHONE].

Records Retention

Retention Law
Public Records and Archives Administration Act, 1997 (Act 535)
Authority
Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD)

Act 535, 1997 (Ghana)

View retention law →

Sources & References