Accra: A Ghanaian human rights consultant and paralegal based in the United States, Theophilus Ken Dorman, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to dissolve the governing board of the Right to Information Commission (RTIC), citing alleged non-performance, abuse of discretion, and violations of constitutional rights.
According to Ghana Web, Dorman’s petition, addressed to the Office of the President at Jubilee House, alleges that the RTIC has consistently failed to fulfill its statutory duties under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The petition, which was received at the Presidency on January 6, 2026, argues that the Commission’s actions have undermined the effectiveness of the RTI law and eroded public trust in the institution.
Dorman, who is a Human Rights Consultant and Paralegal with ties to Assin Kushea in the Central Region, claims that the Commission has failed to enforce lawful orders as required by Sections 44, 45, 46, and 82 of Act 989. He further alleges that the RTIC has not applied sanctions against public institutions that refuse to release information, nor has it ensured timely administrative justice.
The petition accuses the RTIC of abusing its discretionary powers, contravening Articles 23 and 296 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandate administrative bodies to act fairly, reasonably, and without arbitrariness. Dorman asserts that the Commission’s inaction has led to the denial of citizens’ constitutional right to information as guaranteed under Article 21(1)(f) of the Constitution.
Dorman highlighted that the RTIC’s failures have fostered a culture of impunity among public institutions and weakened democratic governance. He noted that the Commission’s inaction has resulted in delays, weak leadership, and a lack of public trust, indirectly enabling secrecy, corruption, and abuse of power within public institutions.
The petition also lists several cases where the Commission allegedly failed to enforce compliance, including issues involving the Ghana Police Service, the National Signals Bureau, and the Central Regional House of Chiefs.
In his appeal to the President, Dorman requested the immediate dissolution of the RTIC governing board and the appointment of a new board comprising individuals committed to transparency and accountability. He also called for an independent administrative review of the Commission’s operations, particularly its handling of public complaints and enforcement of decisions.
Dorman emphasized that when the institution tasked with safeguarding the right to information fails to act, it poses a threat to constitutional governance. He urged the President to demonstrate decisive leadership to restore public confidence.
As of the time of this report, the Office of the President and the Right to Information Commission have not issued any public response to the petition.
Source: Ghana Web