Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the Chairman and Information Commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has highlighted gains made by the country over the years in digitalizing access to information in Sierra Leone, especially since he assumed the position in 2018. Dr Shaw was speaking at a joint side event at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York on Tuesday 16th July, 2024 organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone, the Right to Access Information Commission of Sierra Leone, and partners, including UNESCO, and hosted by the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission at the UN, on the topic “The Role of Digitalization in the Implementation of Public Access to Information as an Accelerator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.

Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw started by underscoring that the Right to Access Information Commission of Sierra Leone puts value on access to information, saying, "At RAIC, we don't see access to information only as an end in itself, but as a means to many ends", adding that the Right to Access Information Act 2013 and Right to Access Information Regulation 2022 empower everybody to access information and that digital platforms enable and complement such right to access information.

Speaking on the theme of the event, the Sierra Leone Information Commissioner said, in the context of the SDGs, public access to information should be seen as very important because it is an enabler of all the other SDGs.

"If access to information should be an enabler, then digitalization is an enabler of the enabler. That is how we see it in Sierra Leone," he stated.

Highlighting recent gains made by the country in digitalizing access to information, Dr. Shaw informed participants at the side event that the country now has digital platforms established to expedite and modernise access to information, something he said is a novelty in the country's public information spectrum.

"We have provided digital access to information platforms that can be used to access information. We created four platforms that handle information request, acknowledgement of information request, response to information request, and making a complaint to the Right to Access Information Commission when access to information is rejected or denied by a public authority," he disclosed.

He said, because the development is new to the country, not everyone is used to such digital infrastructure, "So, we are embarking on intensive popularization to make sure that people are fully aware of the digital platforms".

"Though it is a novelty in the country, but for now, the current digital platforms are not in real-time as you have to download, complete, and send them to the relevant public authority. However, we have approached a tech company to enable us make the platforms operate real-time where people and institutions need not go through the rigour of downloading them. The tech company is embedding emails of public authorities in the forms so that no sooner an information request is sent to a public authority in real time, we automatically receive a copy," Dr. Shaw narrated.

He further said that he and his team at the Information Commission are pushing hard to ensure that public authorities proactively disclose information on their websites and other digital platforms. "We encourage them to do so to defeat misinformation, disinformation, and fake news," he added.

Also mentioning key development, Dr. Shaw informed the high-powered participants that Sierra Leone has an open data centre and an open data portal serving as a hub for all government information.

On challenges, he said the digital divide is a very big problem. "In Sierra Leone, for instance, you have some people who would want to use the digital access to information platforms we have created, but because of limited access to internet, it would be challenging to do so," he noted.

Responding to questions on what Sierra Leone is doing to bridge the digital divide and empowering more people to be digitally conscious, Commissioner Seaga Shaw said the Government of Sierra Leone has introduced digital literacy in schools, while citing the Universal Development Fund, through the National Telecommunications Authority, which recently organized some activities in the regions where underprivileged farmers and other locals were given smartphones. "So, there are conscious efforts being made by sectors in Sierra Leone to increase access to these digital tools. We still have a long way to go, but I will say work is in progress," he explained.


He added that the transitioning from a culture of secrecy to a culture of openness is also a major challenge in Sierra Leone, particularly with the civil and public service. He however said that the Information Commission has worked with a consultant hired by the Human Resource Management Office to review the civil service code to ensure that it is in harmony with access to information laws.

"Immediately the reviewed Bills goes to parliament and is approved, we will be working with the Public Service Commission to make sure the issue of not timely disclosing information on the basis of oath of secrecy by civil and public servants  is addressed.

The RAIC chief recommended for more digital literacy, saying there is a need for more digital tools to make sure that people who are disadvantaged are not excluded.

In his welcoming remark, His Excellency Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, thanked those who partnered with Sierra Leone in convening the meeting, acknowledging the role of UNESCO, the Open Government Partnership, the United Kingdom, and the National Institute for Transparency, Information and Personal Data Protection of Mexico in making the side event a success.

"The role of digitalization in the implementation of public access to information is pivotal in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. Digital technology enhances transparency, accountability, and citizens' engagement by making information easier and more accessible. This fosters informed decision-making and empowers communities, leading to more effective and inclusive governance. By bridging the information gap, digitalization ensures that no one is left behind, thereby driving progress across all SDGs from quality education and healthy to sustainable cities and climate actions," the senior diplomat narrated.

Ambassador Kanu said the integration of digital solutions in public access to information does not only support growth directly related to governance, but also underpins the broader objectives of sustainable development, creating a more resilient and equitable global society.

Making a statement, Hon Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone expressed her profound thanks and appreciation to participants of the side event co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone and UNESCO in partnership with the governments of the United Kingdom and Mexico, while she singled out UNESCO and the governments of the United Kingdom and Mexico for co-sponsoring this event.

"Our gathering here today is to reflect on the critical role of universal access to information in enhancing governance and sustainable development and how digitalization could accelerate access to information," she said.

She emphasized that the Government of Sierra Leone considers access to information essential for good governance and a critical enabler of the SDGs.

"Our country has made tremendous progress towards universal access to information, recording a considerable increase in freedom of information and increase in proactive disclosure of information among public institutions since 2018," adding that, "On the legislative and regulatory front, the country, in 2020, historically repealed the Criminal and Seditious Libel law, while asserting that press freedom has significantly improved."

She also cited the RAIC's digital access to information platforms, which she hoped would be a game changer in accessing public information.

Dr. Tawfik Jelassi is the UNESCO Assistant Director General for Information and Communication who oversees UNESCO's program on building inclusive knowledge society, driving digital transformation, leveraging ICT, and promoting freedom of expression.

Dr. Jelassi said, globally, there has been a dramatic improvement in right to access information from only 14 countries in 1990 that had access to information laws to 140 countries in 2024 which have embraced the power of transparency through legislations that guarantee access to information. "This incredible expansion mirrors the rapid digitalization across the world. Information once locked around physical barriers now flows freely through the vast interconnected web of the internet. It has empowered people of all ages to scrutinize the institutions that govern them," he expressed.

He encouraged that member countries should ensure that access to information laws translate to actions and impact on the ground and are implemented in an inclusive way with oversight bodies in order for such laws to have a lasting effect.

The UNESCO senior staff added that a recent UNESCO annual monitoring survey shows that 40 countries used digital tools to provide information to the public.

He said rolling out digitalization to access information requires strong internet infrastructure and digital skills to ensure that everyone, especially the vulnerable population, can benefit.

During the Questions and Answers session, Sierra Leone's Development Minister expressed challenges with libraries in the country, emphasizing the need for libraries across the country to go digital. She also mentioned challenges around internet data and access to electricity, which she said can impact the access to information process.

She called for more partnerships from all SDGs sectors to make digital access to information work.

Other panel speakers at the side event were Mr Kanbar Hussein Bor, Head of Democratic Governance and Media Freedom department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK; Ms Blanca Ibarra Cadena, Information Commissioner of Mexico, and Mr Blair Glencorse, Co-CEO of Accountability Lab and Co-Chair of the Open Government Partnership  Steering Committee(USA).

These speakers mentioned digital divide; lack of Internet connectivity; proliferation of fake news and its impact on people; and rigid bureaucracy as the greatest risks to accessing credible information.

One thing that came out clearly from the UN high-level side event was that digitalization is essential in making public information more accessible in making informed decisions and combating fake news.

From Law to Impact: Leveraging the Right to Access Information Law 2013 to Advance Transparency and the Sustainable Development Goals

On Friday, 14th June 2024, the Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev), with the generous support of UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), as part of the funding from IPDC 2023 on the "Increased Media Capacity to monitor and report on the provisions of the Right to Access Information Law in Sierra Leone", hosted an online discussion titled "From Law to Impact: Leveraging the Right to Access Information Law 2013 to Advance Transparency and the Sustainable Development Goals." This event brought together key stakeholders, including journalists, civil society leaders, and government officials, to explore the critical intersection of transparency, governance, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

The Right to Access Information Law, a pivotal legislation enacted in 2013 following Sierra Leone's commitment to the Open Government Partnership, has been a beacon in the nation's path towards enhanced transparency and accountability. This law, a catalyst for citizen empowerment and democratic governance, holds the transformative potential to steer Sierra Leone towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By ensuring the accessibility of information, we can foster a culture of openness, empower our communities, and drive sustainable development across all sectors.

The discussions, therefore, delved into the progress made since the law's enactment, identified the remaining challenges, and explored innovative strategies to harness its full potential.

The panellists included the President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Eastina Taylor; Executive Director of Campaign for Good Governance, Marcella Samba Sesay; President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla; the Point of Contact of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Chairperson for the National Council for Civic Education and Development (NACCED) Mr. Kalilu Totangi; and the Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of how access to information can catalyze the achievement of the SDGs.

The discussions highlighted the transformative potential of the Right to Access Information Law 2013 in promoting transparency and accountability, essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key challenges identified included the need for proactive disclosure of information, the absence of a record-keeping law, the necessity for a data protection law, and the ambiguity surrounding classified information.

In response to these challenges, several strategic solutions were proposed, including continuous training and awareness programs, enhanced public engagement, a co-creation approach involving all stakeholders, and the development of comprehensive online information portals. Emphasis was placed on the roles of journalists in leveraging the law for accurate reporting, civil society organizations in advocacy, and government officials in proactive information disclosure.

As a result of the online discussions, action items were outlined to ensure the effective implementation of the Right to Access Information Law. These include adopting the following:

1. Multistakeholder Approach: Continue pursuing all objectives through a collaborative approach involving journalists, civil society experts, and government officials.
2. Advocacy and Education: Increase advocacy, funding, and public education on the Right to Access Information Law.

• Data Protection and Records Management Laws: Fast-track the development and enactment of the Data Protection Law.

1. Online Information Portal: Develop a comprehensive online portal for government information.
2. Proactive Disclosure: Implement proactive disclosure of a wide range of documents online.
3. Simplify Information Requests: Simplify request procedures and establish clear timelines for information requests.

• Capacity Building: Train staff and provide ongoing training to ensure effective law implementation.
• Citizen Engagement: Encourage citizens to ask for information and demand accountability.

1. Infrastructure Development: Prioritize financing and develop the proper infrastructure for access to information.

The Initiatives for Media Development and the Right to Access Information Commission are committed to continuing this collaborative effort to overcome implementation obstacles and maximize the law's impact. The Right to Access Information Act 2013 is a powerful tool that, if effectively utilized, can significantly advance transparency and the achievement of the SDGs.

For more information, please access the full video of the session on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/GLzQgfRoHH8AHt8D/?mibextid=WC7FNe)

Full video downloaded from Zoom

(https://we.tl/t-SmZAvyEnhf)

Signed

Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson Oguamah             Dr. Ibrahim Seagha Shaw

Chief Executive Officer                                           Chairman Information Commissioner

Initiatives for Media Development                         Right to Access Information Commission

IMdev                                                                         RAIC

www.imdevsl.com                                                    www.raic.gov.sl                                                        

Saturday 15^th June 2024

The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) will host the 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in Freetown. The disclosure was made at the 2024 ICIC Conference held from 3^rd to 5^th June 2024 in Albania.

Speaking at this year’s ICIC Conference following the announcement, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the Chairman and Information Commissioner of RAIC expressed appreciation to the global information commissioners’ network for choosing Sierra Leone to host the 2026 edition of the Conference, while assuring colleague information commissioners of a successful engagement in Sierra Leone.

“I bring you greetings from Sierra Leone from the Right to Access Information Commission. On behalf of the commission [the RAIC) and my country [Sierra Leone], I want to extend my appreciation to the Executive Committee and the ICIC 2026      Host Evaluation Committee for approving Sierra Leone as the next venue to host the 17^th edition of ICIC Conference in 2026,” he said.

He noted that the bar has been raised high, considering what happened in Albania and in other previous host nations. “It is a big challenge but I can assure you that we are ready and prepared to take up the challenge,” Commissioner Shaw assured.

On the proposed topic for ICIC 2026, Dr. Shaw cited that they have identified “The Digital Space and Access to Information as an Enabler of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals,” as a suitable topic, while calling for suggestions from other members of the Conference.

To plan well ahead of the ICIC 2026, RAIC chief noted that he has accepted the invitation from Germany – the host for ICIC 2025 – to be part of their organizing committee to gain valuable knowledge and experience which may be essential to make the Conference in Sierra Leone a success, and that the German Information Commissioner has also accepted his invitation to join the Organising Committee for ICIC 2026

“We have a lot in store for you. I don’t want to pre-empt anything; I just want to probably surprise you,” he told the Conference members. He disclosed that Sierra Leone is often described as the Alcapone of Africa for its beautiful white sandy beaches hardly seen in other parts of the world.

He described the ICIC’s movement as a fraternity that shares common values and goal to steadily enhance access to information worldwide, drawing experience from countries that have hosted the Conference.

The RAIC boss encouraged non-members of ICIC, especially those in Africa, to join and be part of the movement to enhance good governance, human rights, transparency and accountability through timely, easy and quality access to information, adding that hosting the conference in Sierra Leone would boost the membership of the global network, especially from French speaking countries.

This is the first time such high-powered conference is hosted in the whole of West Africa, and the second time in Africa, the first being in 2019 in South Africa. “This is a great development as information commissioners across the world would gather in Sierra Leone to discuss issues and map out solutions and plans geared toward promoting, protecting and popularizing access to information,” Dr. Shaw told Expo Times in a brief phone interview. 

The ICIC Executive Committee provided information on how the decision was finally reached to approve Sierra Leone to host the 2026 ICIC conference by explaining that from March 14 to April 11, 2024, the authorities that are members of the Evaluation Panel reviewed the proposals, considering the applicant authority’s experience in organizing events with an international component, the proposed venue, accommodation options, and financing.

The Evaluation Committee identified some opportunity areas in its experience as an organizer of international events, logistical information, and the issue of financing, and so on April 18, 2024, the Executive Committee agreed to send the comments and request for additional information to the Right to Access Information Commission of Sierra Leone. On April 19, 2024, the ICIC Secretariat sent to the Right to Access Information Commission of Sierra Leone the comments of the Evaluation Panel and the request for additional information regarding its application to host the 17th ICIC Edition ICIC.

On May 9, 2024, the ICIC Secretariat received the additional information from the Right to Access Information Commission of Sierra Leone. On May 9, 2024, the ICIC Secretariat sent the additional information to the members of the Evaluation Panel. In this regard, the ICIC Secretariat received the final and positive comments to accept the application of the RAIC in Sierra Leone to host the 2026 global conference/

Since Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw took up office in 2018, access to information from public authorities in Sierra Leone has improved significantly, making RAIC one of the top performing public agencies in the country. Access to information has also been digitalized and the public awareness to access information has heightened, all under the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw.

Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the Chairman and Information Commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has been invited by the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) to tap into his very great and enviable experience in access to information and data protection.