RTI: Journalists, others to pay ‘processing fee’ before Information is released – Majority leader

Journalists and other individuals may be required to pay something small as processing fee before they are furnished with any information under the Right to Information (RTI) law, according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in charge of government business, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah.

“For example one needs certain information from the officer on express, he could be asked to pay something small as much as GH¢5. 00 or GH¢10.00 as processing fee”, he revealed in an interview monitored by MyNewsGh.com on Hello FM in Kumasi.

The RTI is supposed to be a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Constitution and recognized as a right under International Conventions on Human rights

According to the Suame lawmaker, after the President has asserted his signature for the bill to become law, it will be binding on private and public institutions serving the public interest to give information out.

The Majority Leader also explains the full implementation of the law will however protect certain information one is seeking from any institution especially when it bothers on the security of the nation.

“Not every information will be given out after requesting them through writing”, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu added.

Parliament last Monday Parliament passed the Right to Information (RTI) Bill into law which will be implemented in January 2020 now awaits Presidential assent.

The RTI law will provide for the operationalisation of the constitutional right to information held by the public and some private institutions, subject to exemptions that are necessary and consistent with the protection of public interest in a democratic society.

It also seeks to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs and to provide for related matters.