By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, Sierra Leone February 12, 2026 Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq., Minister of Internal Affairs, has affirmed the Ministry’s full support for the upcoming 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), along with the Right to Access Information Commission’s (RAIC) compliance drive focused on Proactive Disclosure Information (PDI) and Annual Compliance Reports (ACR).
The pledge was made during the Ministry’s Fortnightly Inter-Agency Meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Centre in Gloucester Street. Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner of RAIC, led a delegation that presented a comprehensive overview to the heads and representatives of various agencies within the Ministry.
Dr. Shaw expressed gratitude to the Minister for facilitating the meeting, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s role as a host for the ICIC/IDUAI 2026, scheduled for September 28–30, 2026. He described the event as a historic milestone, expecting around 300 international delegates and a total attendance of about 500, thereby enhancing Sierra Leone’s stature in the global transparency and governance landscape.
Highlighting the international dimensions of the conference, Dr. Shaw pointed out the need for collaboration on critical logistics, including security coordination, immigration facilitation, visa-on-arrival arrangements, and waivers for foreign attendees. He noted that some agencies are actively participating in planning subcommittees and encouraged further technical discussions to finalize the necessary arrangements.
The Chairman also reminded agencies of their responsibilities under the Right to Access Information Act, specifically regarding the timely submission of PDI schemes and ACRs, with an extended deadline of February 16 following an earlier deadline of January 22. He further mentioned that compliance with Access to Information (ATI) is now included in performance tracking indicators at State House, urging agencies to take this aspect seriously for improved transparency ratings.
Minister Lengor commended RAIC for the informative presentation and acknowledged the insights gained from the discussion. He emphasized that agencies under his purview, including the Sierra Leone Police and National Fire Force, are vital to the success of the compliance drive.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to hosting a safe and successful international conference, underscoring its potential to position Sierra Leone as a capable host for high-profile global events. He requested RAIC to provide a detailed list of expected international participants, along with their travel details, to facilitate security protocols and visa arrangements.
Also addressing the meeting, Mr. David Patrick Kamara, RAIC’s Manager of Public Information and Communications, highlighted challenges in compliance, such as inaccurate logging of data on information requests and the misconception that these requests are exclusive to journalists. He clarified that information requests can be made by any member of the public, not just media professionals, urging agencies to systematically record and report these requests on a regular basis.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister appointed Mr. Umar Mannah Timbo, Deputy Director of Policy and Coordination, as the focal point to ensure the Ministry and its agencies meet RAIC obligations and enhance compliance performance.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the ICIC/IDUAI 2026, RAIC is committed to strengthening partnerships with key institutions to promote adherence to the Right to Access Information Act.
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