President Julius Maada Bio has officially received the 2023 Annual Report on the Right to Access Information.
The presentation took place at the State House, where Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission, expressed his deep appreciation to the President for his unwavering support for transparency and accountability initiatives. During the presentation, Dr. Shaw emphasized the transformative impact of the Right to Access Information Act on democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
He highlighted that the Act has played a crucial role in promoting transparency and empowering citizens to access vital information, thereby facilitating their active involvement in the democratic processes of the nation. Among the notable accomplishments attributed to the Commission under Dr. Shaw’s leadership is the establishment of its first-ever website, marking a significant milestone in the Commission’s efforts to enhance accessibility to information. Moreover, Sierra Leone’s recent membership as the 24th country in the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) underscores the nation’s commitment to global standards in information governance.
Dr. Shaw also called for a review of the internal controls, management, and operational frameworks of various institutions, including the Internal Audit Department and the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), to ensure compliance with the Right to Access Information Act. He praised President Bio for fostering an environment conducive to free speech and information access, notably referencing the repeal of Part 5 of the Public Order Act of 1965 in 2020, which had previously criminalized libel.
Additionally, he acknowledged the enactment of the Cyber Security and Crime Act aimed at bolstering digital governance, as well as the government’s commitment to maintaining the independence of governance institutions and ongoing public sector reforms, including a thorough review of the Civil Service Code. In his response to the report, President Bio expressed gratitude to Dr. Shaw and his team for fulfilling their legal obligation to present the findings. He reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to improving access to information and transparency within governance structures. “I extend my sincere gratitude for the strides you have made in ensuring access to information for all.
Information is paramount, and we recognize its role in fostering accountability and participation in governance,” stated President Bio. The President assured the Commission that his government would meticulously review the recommendations outlined in the report, acknowledging both the successes achieved and the challenges faced.
“We will assess the findings and address the challenges identified. Strengthening institutions is key to ensuring they effectively deliver on their mandates,” he concluded, reinforcing the government’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness of governance in Sierra Leone.
