His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has received the 2023 Annual Report on the Right to Access Information. The report was presented at State House by Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission. Dr. Shaw expressed gratitude for President Bio’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Dr. Shaw noted that the Right to Access Information Act has enhanced democratic governance in Sierra Leone by increasing transparency and citizen participation. He highlighted achievements such as launching the Commission’s first website and joining the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC). Dr. Shaw also called for a review of internal controls by institutions like the Internal Audit Department and Public Sector Reform Unit.
He praised President Bio for fostering free speech and access to information, citing the repeal of Part 5 of the Public Order Act in 2020, which decriminalized libel, and enacting the Cyber Security and Crime Act for digital governance improvement.
The report details programmatic, operational, financial activities, and compliance assessments by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies with access information laws.
President Bio thanked Dr. Shaw for presenting the report and reiterated his administration’s dedication to enhancing information access and transparency. “I extend my sincere gratitude for the strides you have made in ensuring access to information for all,” he stated.
He assured that his government would review recommendations from the report while acknowledging successes and challenges faced by institutions: “We will assess findings and address challenges identified.”
