In a bold call for greater transparency, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has urged public institutions to adopt a proactive approach to releasing information to the public. He emphasised that such a move is critical to fostering transparency and combating the spread of misinformation. Minister Bah made these remarks during the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) held at the Foreign Service Academy on September 15, 2024.
Minister Bah stressed the fundamental nature of the public’s right to information, noting that access to information is not a privilege but a civic right. “Public information must be regarded as a civic duty, integral to cultivating patriotism and love for the country,” he stated, underscoring the importance of ensuring citizens remain informed about governmental activities.
The Minister praised the RAIC for its significant contributions over the past decade and acknowledged the groundwork laid by the previous administration in establishing the commission. He also recognised the pivotal role of civil society in advocating for the enactment of the Right to Access Information Act in 2013.
Minister Bah highlighted that access to information is the cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s democracy, a key factor that helped the country secure the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact. He further lauded the progressive reforms initiated by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, including the repeal of the seditious libel law and the enactment of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act. These measures, he noted, have broadened the scope of free expression, leading to a surge in requests for public information.
The Minister also revealed that as part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education is currently working on a Records and Archive Policy alongside a Data Protection Bill. These initiatives, he said, aim to safeguard and preserve public records while ensuring timely access to information for the public.
The event also featured remarks from the Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, who expressed concern over the rising impact of artificial intelligence on freedom of information. He urged the RAIC to address the potential threats posed by AI and to remain vigilant in providing accurate information to the public.
The 10th anniversary of the RAIC marked a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to transparency and public accountability, with the Ministry of Information leading the charge in ensuring citizens have access to information that empowers them to engage in the democratic process.
