The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has ruled against the National Signals Bureau (NSB) for failing to provide information requested by a Ghanaian citizen, William Kofi Yirenkyi, regarding the operational status and retention of public CCTV footage at key locations in Accra.
In a determination dated March 13, 2025, the Commission found that the NSB had violated its obligations under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) by refusing to respond to both Yirenkyi’s request and the Commission’s follow-up inquiry.
As a result, the Commission has imposed a GH¢100,000 administrative penalty on the NSB, with an additional 10% default penalty if the fine is not paid within 14 days.
“The Commission finds that the Respondent is not justified in refusing to grant the Applicant access to the information requested.
“The Respondent has breached its obligations under Act 989 by failing to respond to both the Applicant’s request and the Commission’s letter. In fact, under Section 70 of Act 989, the Respondent is required to assist the Commission in its investigations,” the Commission stated.
“Based on the Respondent’s failure to comply with its obligation under Act 989, an administrative penalty of GH¢100,000.00 is imposed on the Respondent, and this shall be payable to the Commission no later than 14 days after the date of receipt of this decision.
“The penalty so imposed shall attract an additional default penalty at a rate of 10% on the principal penalty sum of GH¢100,000.00 in the event of default for any additional 14 days thereafter,” the Commission added.
Background of the Case
Yirenkyi, who also serves as the Founder and Leader of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, submitted his request on January 6, 2025, seeking details about the functionality of CCTV cameras in several areas, including East Legon, Cantonments, and Okponglo, during specific timeframes in November 2022 and December 2023.
His request also covered inquiries about footage retention policies, accessibility for individuals affected by criminal incidents, and whether law enforcement agencies had accessed the footage.
After receiving no response from the NSB, Yirenkyi escalated the matter to the RTI Commission on January 21, 2025.
The Commission officially wrote to the NSB on February 3, 2025, demanding an explanation for its failure to respond, but the agency remained silent.
The Commission ruled that while some aspects of the requested information were exempt from disclosure under Section 7(1)(i) of Act 989, as they could compromise public safety, the majority of the questions should be answered. These include:
The operational status of CCTV cameras in the specified locations during the requested periods.
Whether law enforcement or any third party had accessed the footage.
If the footage does not exist, an explanation of its unavailability.
Procedures and conditions for requesting access to CCTV footage.
However, the Commission denied Yirenkyi’s request for information on whether the CCTV footage still exists in the NSB’s archives, as well as the agency’s retention policy, citing public security concerns.
The NSB has been ordered to release the permitted information within seven days and to allow Yirenkyi to inspect or watch the CCTV footage within the same timeframe.
The Commission has also set specific fees for accessing the information, based on the format requested.
Failure to comply with these directives could result in further penalties against the NSB.
AM/KA
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