By Alieu Amara Suwu
The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), in its drive to promote the demand for the supply of information among the general public, public authorities, and the private sector, has on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, launched its fifth Annual Report that covers the activities during the year 2023.
The report is in compliance with Section 41(1) of the RAIC Act of 2013. The Act thus states, “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, asserted that their work at the commission is to facilitate information and ensure there is 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—for even market women.
He revealed that access to information has steadily increased, saying that they have been engaging Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) every year to give them (RAIC) a report of the number of information requested.
“This process has been massive since 2022. In 2023, 32 MDAs disclosed information and 79 at the moment,” he said.
He said the report had already been submitted to the president, which he appreciated. He went further to speak on the engagement he had had with other public authorities, such as the Public Sector Reform Unit, to harmonize the Public Service Code with other laws of Sierra Leone.
He complained of insufficient funding but said they have been seeking other means of funding—possibly from donors.
On that note, he thanked MDAs for their cooperation and for procedures and finally launched the report, 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, for they have stood and have fronted criticism from him, especially on forming regulations. He confirmed being recognized by the institution for holding them accountable.
He said access to information is a fundamental human right, noting that they have to broaden their democratic space and help people to understand the issue. Because, according to him, understanding is the problem. He spoke on data protection and data privacy; he said a law must be instituted for the protection of personal data.
He commended RAIC for holding institutions, such as the judiciary, accountable.
Nancy Koroma, representative of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, on behalf of the Ministry, pledged support.
