The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, has described 2024 as a successful year for access to information in Sierra Leone. He made this statement at the official launch of the RAIC 2024 Annual Report and the Second Pilot Training Workshop on Access to Information (ATI) Digital Platforms.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Shaw reflected on the progress made since he assumed office as Chairman and Information Commissioner, noting that at the time there was no functional website or annual report. He however noted that, through commitment, hard work, and dedication, the Commission now operates a fully functional website and is launching its sixth Annual Report under his leadership.
Dr. Shaw further highlighted that Sierra Leone’s hosting of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in 2026 will position the country on the global stage as a key partner in advancing information openness worldwide. He called on all Sierra Leoneans to support the RAIC in achieving its mandate. He also paid tribute to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah and the staff of the RAIC for the confidence and support accorded him.
Delivering remarks, Mr. Fodeba Dabor of the Local Content Agency commended Dr. Shaw for the significant progress achieved within a short period. He pledged the Agency’s commitment to proactive disclosure of information, submission of annual compliance reports, and fulfillment of other statutory obligations under the ATI framework.
Mr. Patrick Molai Koroma of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that access to information is fundamental to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16.10.2, which also strengthens Sierra Leone’s standing in relation to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Mr. Mohamed Konneh applauded the RAIC for opening up the information space to enhance transparency and accountability. He noted that an informed citizenry is better positioned to hold government accountable and called on the Commission to ensure inclusive participation, particularly in the use of digital platforms, to accelerate development in the information sector.
Mr. Alphonsus Gbanie, Executive Director of the Human Rights Defender Network, stated that information is power and critical to the work of civil society organizations. He acknowledged the RAIC’s significant contributions to the realization of human rights in Sierra Leone, while calling for increased sensitization on exempt information under the Act to ensure broader public understanding and participation.
Representing the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Ms. Nancy Koroma underscored the importance of the 2024 Annual Report, noting that it highlights emerging trends, institutional performance, and practical challenges faced by public authorities in responding to information requests. She reaffirmed government’s recognition of access to information as a fundamental right, not a privilege, and commended the RAIC for its oversight role, capacity-building initiatives, and engagement with public institutions nationwide.
Ms. Koroma also emphasized that the launch of the Second Pilot Training Workshop on ATI Digital Platforms reflects a shared commitment to digital transformation as a means of modernising access to public information. While acknowledging the benefits of technology in improving efficiency and access, she stressed that it must be supported by institutional readiness, trained personnel, clear procedures, and a culture of openness within public authorities.
She concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working with the RAIC, public institutions, civil society, and development partners to strengthen compliance with access to information laws and policies. She urged participants to actively engage in the workshop and translate policy into practice to ensure that access to information becomes a lived reality for all citizens.
Following the official launch of the report by Dr. Shaw, a training session was conducted for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the use of ATI digital platforms. The training was facilitated by Mr. Amara Thoronka, Public Information and Communications Officer attached to the National Secretariat.
The program was moderated by Hon. Mustapha Braima, Executive Secretary, RAIC.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Patrick Kamara
Manager, Public Information & Communications
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 7840847
