By Bakarr Kanu
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday hosted a delegation of African information regulators in Freetown, as part of efforts to strengthen access to information and tackle corruption across the continent.
The delegation, drawn from the African Network of Information Commissions (ANIC), visited the ACC headquarters at Integrity House during a regional executive meeting being held in the capital.
Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, chairman of Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), said the visit formed part of activities surrounding ANIC’s executive session, which brings together information commissioners, ombudsmen and regulators from across Africa.
“The meeting is aimed at discussing strategies to improve access to information and strengthen governance systems,” Shaw said, adding that closer collaboration among institutions was key to promoting transparency and accountability.
Pansy Tlakula, head of the delegation and chairperson of South Africa’s Information Regulator, said access to public information remained a critical tool in the fight against corruption.
“When citizens are able to obtain information, they are better equipped to hold institutions accountable,” she said.
Stephen Owusu, a member of ANIC’s executive committee and a representative of Ghana’s Right to Information Commission, praised Sierra Leone’s role in advancing access to information on the continent.
He also highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation, noting that Ghana is considering legislation to address the issue.
“We need stronger legal frameworks and greater experience sharing among countries,” he said.
ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with regional partners to combat corruption and improve public service delivery.
He stressed that cooperation between oversight institutions was essential to addressing governance challenges.
Patrick Sandi, the ACC’s coordinator of operations, said the visit would help deepen ties between Sierra Leone’s institutions and their counterparts across Africa.
The ANIC meeting in Freetown is expected to focus on strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing cooperation among member states to promote transparency and accountability.
