channel247 online
A former public sector executive has formally invoked Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) law to demand extensive disclosure on salaries, appointments and end-of-service benefits of political appointees working under the presidency.
Joseph Osei Oppong Brenya, a former Director of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP), announced that he had exercised his constitutional right to access public information, citing provisions that guarantee citizens transparency in the operations of public institutions.
In a detailed request submitted to the Office of the President Ghana, Brenya is seeking full disclosure of the annual salaries and grade levels of all presidential staffers and political appointees. He is also demanding a comprehensive list of individuals currently serving in such roles.
According to him, the request is intended to promote accountability and ensure that public expenditure relating to political appointments remains transparent to taxpayers. He argued that citizens have a legitimate interest in understanding how public resources are allocated within the executive arm of government.
Among the key issues raised in the petition is whether presidential staffers and political appointees are entitled to ex gratia payments after completing four years of service. Brenya is also requesting details of the total amount paid to Members of Parliament as ex gratia covering the 2021 to 2025 parliamentary cycle.
The former NEIP director further asked authorities to disclose the percentage increment in salaries granted to political appointees over recent years, stating that clarity on remuneration policies would strengthen public confidence in governance.
Another major aspect of the RTI request concerns the appointment of Political Attachés assigned to Regional Coordinating Councils. Brenya is seeking information on their number, specific roles, remuneration structure and justification for their engagement within regional administrations.
He maintained that transparency remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and expressed hope that the relevant authorities would respond within the timelines stipulated under the RTI framework.
Public institutions are legally required to respond to RTI applications within specified periods, either by providing the requested information or offering lawful reasons for refusal, subject to review and appeal mechanisms. Observers say the outcome of the request could contribute to broader national conversations on accountability and public sector compensation.
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
