The leader of the Alliance for Restoration Rights, William Kofi Yirenkyi, has accused the National Signals Bureau (NSB) of flouting directives issued by the Right to Information (RTI) Commission regarding the release of documents linked to two separate criminal incidents.

In an exclusive interview with Homebase TV journalist Beauty Etornam Amedzotsi on April 21, 2025, Yirenkyi stated that the National Signals Bureau has failed to comply with a clear directive from the Commission, which required them to release video footage to him within seven days of receiving a letter from the Commission.

"This is a blatant disregard for the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) and a dangerous attack on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Ghana.

"When institutions funded by taxpayers defy oversight bodies, democracy is under threat.

"The law must be upheld," he said.

The Right to Information (RTI) Commission on April 9, 2025, directed the National Signals Bureau to formally release the said information requested by William Kofi Yirenkyi, following a review application filed against the Bureau's initial refusal to provide the data.

In a letter dated March 26, 2025, and referenced NSB/G.O/V.III/25/033, the NSB responded to Yirenkyi’s application.

After evaluating the responses submitted, the Commission concluded that the information sought must be disclosed to the applicant within seven days of receipt of its directive.

As stipulated by the Commission, the release of the information is subject to standard fees as outlined in the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080). Specifically, photocopied documents will attract a fee of GH¢ 0.27 per page, printed documents GH¢ 0.38 per page, and information in computer-readable format GH¢ 0.29 per page.

The Commission emphasized that while Section 43(2)(c) of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) empowers it to make determinations deemed just and equitable—including recommendations or penalties—the law does not authorize it to waive administrative penalties imposed on institutions.

As such, any administrative penalty levied on the NSB in connection with the matter must be upheld.

Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, signed the letter, affirming the Commission’s stance and urging full cooperation from the NSB.



AM/KA

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