By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope News
Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission is “one of the most-performing oversight bodies on access to information in Africa,” Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah said Wednesday.
Speaking at the national validation of a draft bill to review the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Act, held at the 50/50 Group Hall, Tower Hill, on 6 May 2026, Mr. Bah hailed the Commission’s progress in advancing transparency and press freedom.
“Our Information Commission is one of the most-performing national oversight bodies on access to information in Africa,” the Minister told stakeholders.
Mr. Bah also disclosed that Cabinet has approved a Data Protection Policy that will merge access to information and data protection under a single law. The move will transform the current Commission into an Authority with expanded independence and powers to guarantee public access to information while safeguarding privacy and personal data.
“This development is crucial to empower journalists and other information seekers, and equally vital in protecting citizens’ private data,” he explained.
The Minister expressed optimism that the proposed Data Protection and Access to Information Bill, soon to be tabled in Parliament, will further boost Sierra Leone’s global ranking on access to information and strengthen privacy safeguards.
While the forum focused on reforms to create a more independent, efficient, and financially stable SLBC, Mr. Bah underscored that robust access to information laws are essential for journalistic work and for improving the country’s standing on the global press freedom index.
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