The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has imposed a GH¢100,000 administrative penalty on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for failing to release information requested by a private Ghanaian citizen, in violation of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).

In a ruling delivered in January 2026, the Commission said it found EOCO in breach after the office failed to respond to directives to submit information for review.

EOCO recovers $15.19 million in virtual assets hidden in foreign jurisdictions

The case followed an application filed by Gilbert Korbla Keklie, who sought a review of EOCO’s decision to deny him access to information relating to investigations involving Seth Yorwemu and others, refunds made to the Keta Municipal Assembly by officers involved, and an investigation involving Emmanuel Gemegah.

According to the Commission, EOCO cited section 7 of Act 989 to justify its refusal, claiming disclosure could prejudice investigations or prosecutions.

However, the Commission noted that it had written to EOCO on November 10, 2025, under section 43(2)(f) of Act 989, directing the office to furnish the requested information within seven days.

“As at the date of this determination, the Respondent has failed, refused, and/or neglected to respond to the Commission,” the ruling stated.

It further stressed that section 70 of Act 989 places “a statutory duty on public institutions to assist the Commission during investigations,” adding that EOCO’s silence constituted “a violation of this statutory duty under Act 989.”

The Commission explained that while section 7(1)(b) and (e) of the Act exempt certain information from disclosure, section 7(2) makes it clear that “information is not exempt from disclosure where that information consists merely of a report on a law enforcement investigation that has already been disclosed to the person who is the subject of the investigation.”

Citing section 71(2)(f) of Act 989, the Commission said it was empowered to impose sanctions, noting that “a decision of the Commission may include imposition of an administrative penalty against the public institution or relevant private body where the public institution or relevant private body fails to comply with an obligation under this Act.”

Consequently, the Commission found EOCO in breach of section 43(2)(f) for failing to produce the requested information and section 70 for failing to assist the Commission.

Under its final orders, the Commission imposed “an administrative penalty of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢100,000.00)” on EOCO, directing that the amount be paid within fourteen days of receipt of the determination.

The ruling warned that “in default, an additional ten percent (10%) shall accrue for every fourteen (14) days thereafter.”

In addition to the fine, EOCO was ordered to release the requested information to the applicant within seven days, with the Commission copied.

Background

EOCO-QNET collaboration records major gains in fight against fraud - Bola Ray

The matter dates back several years. In 2019 and again in 2023, petitions were filed with EOCO against Seth Yorwemu and others, as well as Emmanuel Gemegah and others, over allegations of financial wrongdoing and the diversion of premix fuel meant for fishermen at Nukpesekope.

The petitions were intended to trigger full investigations into suspected corruption involving public resources and essential supplies meant for vulnerable fishing communities.

MAG/MA

Understanding Ghana's stock market and how to invest | BizTech