The Ministry of Transport has refuted claims by Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, that it is refusing to release a contract document requested under Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) Act.
In a press statement issued on Friday, August 2, the Ministry stressed that it is not denying access to information requested by the Fourth Estate but is rather “following due processes” as required by the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989).
Mr. Braimah had taken to social media earlier this week, stating: “We made RTI requests to the Transport Ministry for a copy of the contract under which a company was being paid what translates into GHC340,000 per day in 2022, for disinfection of airports and aviation facilities. The Ministry says it won’t release it. We won’t give up!”
In response, the Ministry confirmed that the Fourth Estate submitted its request on May 28, 2025, specifically asking for a copy of a contract between the Ministry and waste management firm Zoomlion Ghana Limited, concerning disinfection services provided in 2022.
“The Ministry responded appropriately, taking cognizance of the RTI Act, 2019 (Act 989),” the statement said. “It is important to note that the Ministry is not denying the Fourth Estate access to the information but is only following due processes.”
The Ministry further clarified that the process outlined in the RTI law requires requesters to exhaust all procedural avenues before a decision can be made on the release of any document.
“The Fourth Estate has just started the process and is encouraged to follow it to its logical conclusion,” the Ministry advised.
The Transport Ministry also emphasized that it has no intention to shield any person or organization from accountability.
“The Ministry is not and would not shield any corporate organization or individual in any wrongdoing and will ensure good governance to the people of Ghana,” the statement assured.
The Ministry said it remains committed to transparency, probity, and accountability, and will provide leadership and guidance for the development of the transport sector.
