The regional offices of Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) recently joined the national secretariat in Freetown to celebrate the Commission’s 10th anniversary. This milestone marks a decade of significant progress in promoting access to information and transparency across the country. The Commission was established in 2014, following the enactment of the Right to Access Information (RAI) Act in 2013.
The 10th-anniversary events, launched on Tuesday, 15th October, 2024 in Freetown, were mirrored by regional offices in Kenema, Makeni, and Bo. Each location hosted activities designed to engage stakeholders and highlight the successes, challenges, and future opportunities for the Commission in advancing the right to information in Sierra Leone.
In Kenema, Eastern Region Commissioner Ahmed G. Kallon led two radio discussions in Kenema and Segbwema. These programs provided an update on the Commission’s activities, showcased its achievements, and discussed ongoing challenges. Commissioner Kallon emphasized the critical role of access to information in fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance, echoing the message of RAIC Chairman and Information Commissioner, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw.
“Access to information is a fundamental right that empowers citizens, strengthens communities, and enhances democratic participation,” Kallon said. Public Information Officer for the eastern region, James Fortune, reiterated this, noting that access to information enables all citizens to participate in governance, regardless of their status or background. Listeners during the radio discussions expressed the need for the government to address challenges faced by the Commission, which plays a pivotal role in combating corruption and promoting good governance.
Commissioner Kallon also engaged regional staff, emphasizing the significance of the anniversary and the Commission’s work over the past decade. In the northern region, Commissioner Abu Bakarr Kargbo spoke on the impact of the RAI law, which was enacted in response to recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, identifying a lack of government accountability as a key factor behind Sierra Leone’s civil war.
Commissioner Kargbo highlighted the Commission’s progress in implementing the RAI Act, noting that access to public information is essential for upholding freedoms of expression and association. He also detailed the Commission’s achievements, including capacity-building initiatives, the launch of a functional website, and the success of its audit system, which has resulted in professional audit reports. Kargbo further celebrated the Commission’s 90% success rate in fulfilling Freedom of Information requests and its strong performance on the 2022 MCC Global Scorecard.
Other stakeholders, such as Chief Foday Conteh and representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission and SALWACO, praised RAIC’s efforts to hold public authorities accountable and promote transparency.
In the southern region, Commissioner Biah Y. Idriss highlighted the crucial role that advocacy groups played in passing the RAI Act and establishing the Commission. He acknowledged the significant strides made under the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, including increased transparency and accountability efforts. Idriss also recognized the importance of reaching rural communities, with civil society activists suggesting the use of local-language jingles to raise awareness.
Closing the celebrations, Commissioner Idriss reiterated that access to information is a right, not a privilege, and called on public authorities to comply with information requests. The 10th-anniversary event underscored RAIC’s dedication to enhancing transparency and good governance in Sierra Leone, while laying out a vision for continued progress in the years ahead.
