Moving the motion for approval, the Chairman of the committee on Appointment and Public Service Hon. Mohamed Sidi Tunis, said having interviewed Dr. Shaw, the committee is satisfy with both his academic credentials and media experience and that he will bring the necessary changes to uplift the Right to Access Information Commission.
Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, himself a pioneer of the Freedom of Information law in Sierra Leone, described Dr. Seaga Shaw as a hard worker and a good choice for an independent governance institution like RAIC. Hon. Mohamed Bangura admonished Dr. Shaw to use his knowledge and expertise to rebrand an institution that has faced challenges over the years. Hon. Hassan Sesay reminded Dr. Shaw that the time for politics is over as it is now time to work in the interest of Sierra Leone, a reason why he should live up to the expectations of Sierra Leoneans.
During his interview by the committee on Appointment on Wednesday 7th November, Dr. Shaw promised to collaborate with other institutions like Universities to promote access to information and pledged to make popularization of the RAI Act, 2013 a top priority.
Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw was editor of award-winning Expo Times (Online since 2000) in the mid-1990.
Before his appointment, Dr. Shaw worked as senior Lecturer in Media and Politics at Northurmbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. He is author of four books, including his groundbreaking book”Human Rights Journalism: Advances in the reporting of humanitarian Interventions (PALGRAVE-2012)
He is a graduate of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone; he also holds an MSc in Development Studies (London Southbank University, UK) and a PhD in Information and Communication from the Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
It is believed that Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw will use his journalism and academic experiences to help to further open the space in the data sector.
The RAIC Act, 2013 was enacted by the Sierra Leone Parliament in October 3013 and the commission established a year later
David Patrick Kamara
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Public Information Officer
Right to Access Information Commission
