The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has officially concluded its mediation in the matter between journalist Dan Borbor and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) regarding access to information.
In a letter dated 24th September 2025, the NMA transmitted the requested documents to the Chairman and Information Commissioner of the RAIC, Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, who in turn formally presented them to Mr Borbor at the Commission’s headquarters at 58 Kroo Town Road, Freetown.
This follows weeks of mediation led by the RAIC after Mr Borbor lodged a complaint against the NMA for failure to provide him with documents he requested, including the annual report of FG Gold Mining Company, clarity on agreements relating to the company’s transition from prospecting to full-scale operations, and the NMA’s 2023 and 2024 annual reports.
On 6th August 2025, RAIC convened a mediation meeting and emphasised bringing both parties together. At that meeting, the RAIC Commissioner emphasised the obligations of public institutions under the Right to Access Information Act of 2013, particularly the requirement to proactively publish annual reports once they are laid in Parliament and have matured within 21 days.
Through this process, several issues were clarified:
* The Community Development Agreement (CDA) report under Section 134(2) of the NMA Act was confirmed as already provided to Mr Borbor.
* The 2023 NMA Annual Report, which had been overdue, was ordered by the RAIC to be made available to the requester.
* The 2024 NMA Annual Report was confirmed to still be under preparation, and the RAIC advised Mr Borbor to exercise patience until it is finalised and laid in Parliament.
The NMA maintained that no formal agreement exists with FG Gold Mining Company regarding a transition to full-scale operations, though the RAIC advised the requester to submit a more specific follow-up request if required.
Following RAIC’s directives, the NMA complied within the stipulated one-month period and furnished the requested documents. Mr Borbor expressed gratitude to the RAIC for its intervention, stating that the Commission’s role was pivotal in bringing the matter to a close. He confirmed that with receipt of the requested information, the issue is now resolved.
Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw reaffirmed RAIC’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with the access to information law, encouraging all public institutions to strengthen proactive disclosure practices.
For media enquiries, please contact David Patrick Kamara, Manager, Public Information and Communications, RAIC – National Secretariat +232 78407847, Email: davidpatk@yahoo.com
