The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has described 2024 as a successful year for advancing access to information in Sierra Leone, the Commission announced during the launch of its 2024 Annual Report and the Second Pilot Training Workshop on Access to Information (ATI) Digital Platforms.
Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner, highlighted the Commission’s progress since assuming office, noting that RAIC now operates a fully functional website and has released its sixth annual report. He said these milestones reflect sustained commitment to improving transparency, public engagement, and information accessibility.
Dr. Shaw also emphasized Sierra Leone’s upcoming hosting of the 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), noting that the event will position the country as a global leader in information openness. He thanked President Julius Maada Bio, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, and RAIC staff for their support.
Speakers at the launch underscored the importance of access to information for governance, civil society, and national development:
• Fodeba Dabor, Local Content Agency, commended RAIC’s progress and pledged proactive disclosure and compliance with ATI regulations.
• Patrick Molai Koroma, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, linked access to information to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16.10.2 and Sierra Leone’s performance under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
• Mohamed Konneh, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, praised RAIC for enhancing transparency and accountability, emphasizing the role of informed citizens in holding government accountable.
• Alphonsus Gbanie, Human Rights Defender Network, called for greater public awareness on exempt information while highlighting the importance of RAIC’s work in advancing human rights.
• Nancy Koroma, Ministry of Information and Civic Education, highlighted the significance of the 2024 Annual Report in tracking trends, institutional performance, and challenges in responding to information requests. She reaffirmed government support for access to information as a fundamental right and stressed the role of digital platforms in modernizing public information systems.
Following the launch, RAIC conducted a training session for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the use of ATI digital platforms. The session was facilitated by Amara Thoronka, Public Information and Communications Officer, and moderated by RAIC Executive Secretary Hon. Mustapha Braima.
By Syl Decker
