By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN — The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has been recognized by Hon. Chernor A. Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, as one of the nation’s most effective commissions. The commendation came during the official handover of the 2024 RAIC Annual Report, held at the Youyi Building in Freetown.
In his address, Minister Bah praised the RAIC for its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, highlighting the Commission’s outstanding performance in recent years.
Presenting the 2024 Annual Report, RAIC Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw reflected on the significant advancements made under his leadership. He pointed out that when the current administration assumed office, the Commission had not published an annual report and had only received 112 information requests nationwide.
“Fast forward to 2023, the Commission received 19,496 information requests, showcasing the remarkable progress we have achieved,” Dr. Shaw noted. Although he acknowledged a slight decline in requests for 2024, he expressed optimism for future improvements, crediting the inclusion of Access to Information (ATI) and Proactive Disclosure of Information (PDI) as key performance indicators within the State House Delivery Unit.
Dr. Shaw emphasized that the submission of the annual report aligns with Section 41 of the RAI Act, which mandates the Commission to share its annual activities, achievements, and audited financial statements. He expressed confidence that the 2024 report “will be insightful.”
Minister Bah reinforced the government’s commitment to bolstering the RAIC, asserting that the Commission’s consistent performance proves its value to citizens and institutions alike. He also announced ongoing efforts to expand RAIC’s mandate to include Data Protection, aiming to transform it into a comprehensive authority equipped to tackle emerging information governance issues.
The Minister highlighted the necessity for improved collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Technology (MoCT) to ensure that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) maintain functional websites that facilitate proactive disclosure. He committed to drafting a Cabinet Paper that would require MDAs to develop and uphold official websites in line with PDI standards.
Both the Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Abdel Aziz Bawoh, and Director of Information, Emmanuel Turay, commended the RAIC for its impressive achievements, urging sustained collaboration as the Ministry prepares for the upcoming National Civic Festival. This event will provide the RAIC an opportunity to showcase its work to the public.
The RAIC delegation at the ceremony included Executive Secretary Hon. Mustapha Braima and other senior staff members of the Commission.
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