President Nana Akufo Addo has been advised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to uphold the Right to Information law rather than brag about his government’s success in passing it.
This is in response to the presidency’s refusal to provide the MFWA with access to the complete KPMG report on the revenue assurance agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML).
Invoking Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) (“RTI Act”), MFWA requested a copy of the comprehensive KPMG Audit Report on the GRA-SML contract on April 24, 2024. The president had requested the report.
“Upon careful consideration and in accordance with section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, I regret to inform you that your request has been refused,” the presidency responded on Wednesday. A disclosure of such information would compromise the integrity of the deliberative process by disclosing the thought process, considerations, and influence on decision-making reserved for the highest offices of the land. Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) states that information prepared for or submitted to the President or Vice President containing opinions, advice, deliberations, recommendations, minutes, or consultations, is exempt from disclosure.
According to section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i), the entire KPMG Audit Report is exempt information because it includes elements that are essential to the President’s deliberative process.
Speaking on Thursday’s Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM, Mr. Braimah questioned the rationale behind the RTI law’s passage if its supporters are ill-equipped to carry it out.
He stated, “It is important to remind the president and the presidency that it is not just enough to tout your credentials as the one whose government passed the RTI law. It is not just about the passage of the law; it is about the effect of the law. It is about compliance with the law.”
“So, what is the point in passing the law and saying well passing the law demonstrates your commitment to transparency and accountability when you are not prepared to comply with that same piece of legislation.”
