To celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) the Western Region Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Pastor Mohamed Sesay, and his team came together on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, to join the National Secretariat of the Right to Access Information Commission and UNESCO.
The global event, observed worldwide, was marked under the theme, “The Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information,” and was held at the Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, presided over by the Executive Secretary of RAIC, Hon Mustapha Braima.
Simultaneously, celebrations were conducted in the other three regions of Sierra Leone, namely Makeni, Kenema, and Bo which included engaging radio stations and hosting press conferences led by the Commissioners.
In the absence of Chairman and Information Commission, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, who was observing the day in the UK at Oxford as organized by UNESCO, Pastor Mohamed Sesay delivered his message to an audience comprising professionals from various fields related to Freedom of Information.
The establishment of the RAIC dates back to 2013, the year when the Right to Access Information (RAI) Law was signed into law by former President Koroma and in 2014 the Commission was officially brought into existence. Its primary objective is to encourage public authorities to disclose requested information to any member of the public.
Since 2018, the Commission has received over 14,000 requests, with most being successfully resolved. The Commission has also levied fines of NLe70, 000 each on both the Central Bank and the Ministry of Health for failing to disclose requested information.
During the celebration, Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq., called upon citizens to view the online space as a blessing rather than a curse.
In his keynote address, delivered at the Family Kingdom Resort in Aberdeen, he emphasized the Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every citizen’s right to seek, receive and share information, particularly in today’s digital age.
Deputy Minister Sandi highlighted Sierra Leone’s remarkable progress in Freedom of Information, setting it apart from many other nations. He pointed out that unlike in some countries where internet shutdowns, social media restrictions, media censorship, and press conference bans are prevalent Sierra Leone embraces open access to information.
The Deputy Minister lauded the country’s increased internet access, absence of social media restrictions, absence of media censorship, inclusion of sign language interpreters at press conferences, and communication in Krio at Government briefings. He attributed these achievements to President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, proclaiming Sierra Leone as a beacon of access to information.
Deputy Minister Sandi concluded by urging citizens to use the online space responsibly and not to spread disinformation or incite divisiveness, hate or violence. He called upon citizens to exercise their right to access information sincerely and with the goal of making the Government more accountable further reassuring the public that the Government, in turn, would fulfil its obligations with honesty, transparency and a dedication to public service.
The commemoration of IDUAI in Sierra Leone served as a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering transparency, access to information and unity in the digital age.
