The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) on Tuesday, 11th February, 2025, launched its fifth Annual Report that covers the activities during the year 2023, including the state of access or right to information in Sierra Leone. The RAIC was established by the Right to Access Information (RAI) Act of 2013, but was however constituted in 2014. Its mandate is to facilitate access to information. The RAIC launched its first-ever annual report in 2019 under the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the chairman and information commissioner who assumed office in 2018. This is the fifth report.
The report is in compliance with Section 41(1) of the Right to Access Information (RAI) Act of 2013 which mandates that: “The Commission shall, within three months after the conclusion of the scale year, submit to the Minister of Information on the Commission’s activities and programmes, including accounts, financial statements, and the audit report in the year under review.” The fifth Annual Report is in alignment with the Act, and it covers institutional and infrastructural development, programmes and projects, compliance and enforcement, financial statements, challenges, key priorities, and the way forward.
Launching the report, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the chairperson and information commissioner of RAIC, informed that the mandate of the commission is to facilitate access to information and ensure a free flow of information between those holding it and those requesting it.
Dr. Shaw said one does not have to be an elite before accessing information; rather, information accessibility is for all, citing provisions in the RAI Act 2013 which guarantees everyone the right to access information covered by the Act.
He said the report had already been submitted to His Excellency the President whom he said has expressed continued support to promoting access to information in the country. Dr Shaw however cited funding as a major challenge amid.
He thanked MDAs which were compliant to the RAI law by proactively and reactively disclosing information and timely completing and submitting their freedom of information annual compliance reports to the RAIC, saying, “We have to serve as an example. If we are asking others to disclose information, we must be seen doing the same.”
Abdul Fatoma, Chief Executive Officer of CHRDI, said if there is an institution he has admired, RAIC is one, saying RAIC has been tolerant to criticisms and improve steadily. He confirmed being recognized by the institution for holding them accountable.
He said access to information is a fundamental human right, while emphasizing the importance of data protection. He commended RAIC for its contribution in the accountability process through access to information.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Nancy Koroma reiterated the role of access to information in good governance and development, while pledging her ministry’s continued support to the RAIC.
For more media enquiries, contact:
Amara Thoronka
Public Information & Communication Officer
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 88 283632 / +232 78 231949
