Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno
The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has directed the Ghana Police Service to provide justification for its refusal to release information related to violent criminal incidents reported by a civil society group, the Perfect Vision Initiative (PVI).
In a letter dated April 3, 2025, and signed by Executive Secretary Genevieve Shirley Lartey, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Commission acknowledged receipt of a review application filed by William Kofi Yirenkyi, Executive Director of PVI.
The application challenges the Ghana Police Service‘s failure to respond to an earlier information request made under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).
PVI had initially submitted a series of petitions based on disturbing criminal activities captured in social media videos.
These petitions, addressed to the Ghana Police Service, were intended to prompt investigations into the incidents. However, according to Yirenkyi, the Police failed to take any visible action or provide updates.
On February 17, 2025, PVI sent a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police requesting specific information regarding the status of investigations, arrests, and prosecutorial referrals related to the complaints.
Although the Police acknowledged receipt of this petition on February 24, 2025, they failed to provide the requested details.
The Commission’s letter outlines the specific pieces of information requested by PVI, which include:
Whether any investigations have been initiated and their findings.
Reasons for delays in investigations, if any.
Details on arrests, interrogations, or warrants issued.
Whether any cases have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Attorney General.
Any internal reports or memos concerning the complaints.
Names and service numbers of officers handling the cases.
A projected timeline for the resolution of the complaints.
Invoking Sections 43(2)(b) and 70 of Act 989, the RTI Commission emphasized its legal mandate to investigate such matters and directed the Ghana Police Service to provide the requested information and the reasons for the initial refusal within seven days of receiving the letter.
“Pursuant to the above-mentioned provisions, the Commission hereby directs your institution to furnish it with reasons for the refusal and the information requested for review within seven (7) days upon receipt of this letter.
“Kindly be advised that the Commission shall proceed to determine the appeal before it based on the information available to it should you fail to respond.
“You may send the response via email: rticommission@rtic.gov.gh, via P.O. Box YK 1179, Kanda, or deliver it in person at No. 4 Osu Badu Link, Airport Residential Area, GA – 156 1702.”
The Commission also reminded all parties to refrain from making prejudicial public statements, as the matter is currently under investigation.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
