The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has issued an order, including a fine of Le 70,000, against the Freetown City Council (FCC), headed by Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, for failing to comply with provisions of the Right to Access Information Act, 2013. The order follows a formal complaint lodged by Ms. Eleanor Thompson of Citizens Barray after the Council did not respond to her Freedom of Information request.
Ms. Thompson submitted a request to the Mayor of Freetown on 30th May, 2025 seeking access to documents relating to the use and management of the recreation field at Ephraim J. Robinson Municipal School, Main Road, Congo Town, Freetown. Specifically, she sought copies of any lease agreements, memoranda of understanding, or related documents between the Freetown City Council and Honourable Alfred Thompson or any other party involved in the construction, use, or rental of the facility. She also requested copies of minutes from any committee meetings discussing the use of the recreation field, including those of the Education and Skills Development Committee, the Youth and Sports Committee, the Development and Urban Planning Committee, and the Environment Management Committee.
After receiving no response from the Council, Ms. Thompson filed an application for review with the RAIC on 28th July 2025 in accordance with Section 43 of the Right to Access Information Act. On 11th August 2025, the Commission wrote to the Freetown City Council, granting the institution seven days to respond. However, the Council failed to comply with the Commission’s directive.
Following careful consideration of the matter, the Commission determined that the Freetown City Council did not demonstrate compliance with its legal obligations under the Right to Access Information Act, particularly Section 4, which requires public authorities to respond to information requests within the stipulated time frame and to promote proactive disclosure. As a result, the RAIC concluded that the Council had breached the Act.
In its ruling, the Commission ordered the Freetown City Council to provide Ms. Thompson with the requested information and to copy the Commission within seven days of the order. The Council has also been fined an amount of Le 70,000 (Seventy Thousand Leones) for its failure to comply with the law. Furthermore, in line with Section 46 of the Act, the Commission reminded the Council of its right to appeal the decision.
The Right to Access Information Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and openness in governance, emphasizing that access to information is a fundamental right guaranteed by law and an essential tool for democratic participation and public trust.
The order was signed by Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner, and the four regional Commissioners on the 13th October, 2025 at an emergency Commission Meeting convened on the same day.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Patrick Kamara
Manager, Public Information & Communications
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 7840847
