By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
An assessment report by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has indicated lack of digitalize information systems in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).
The assessment according to officials was conducted through Global Development Advisory (GDA) with support from the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) and the Government of Sierra Leone, to assess the data landscape and its use in the country.
Presenting the report, Telecommunications and Digital Industry expert, Spiwe Chireka spoke of poor records management practices that promote bad economic practices like corruption and fraud. She noted broad political acknowledgment of the centrality and importance of identity data which she said is reflected in testimony and strategy.
Chireke said the assessment showed that identity data is the most commonly used by MDAs and at the same time the biggest source of inefficient data across government. She stated that there is a predominance of manual records which she said increases the chances of error in data collection.
Chireke added that there is a lack of uniform standards for data collection, with some areas not accessible for data collection and in some cases, coupled with poor incentive for data accuracy among staff. She said the impact of this trend resulted in data inaccuracies in administrative data and public service records.
She spoke about lack of systems and processes that facilitate cross-sector data sharing, although there is evidence of collaboration in terms of data sharing and access between government agencies. She added that there is a lack of standards on data types, its sources, management, format, structuring, manipulation, analysis, transmission and use by MDAs.
“This results in increased integration costs negatively affecting data quality, interoperability, efficiency, data processes, and ultimately decision making. Research shows that record and record keeping are critical for good governance by enabling transparency, accountability, efficiency, and the protection of human rights,’’ she said.
The telecoms expert recommended that inter-departmental data sharing be prioritized, adding that data needs in the country should be extended along the line, from generation to collection, processing, storage and analysis. She urged the government to consider facilitating data communities from the demand side for the data economy.
She reaffirmed the need to pay attention to data risks, and opportunities, and aligning with the specificities of the Sierra Leone context. She also suggested that the uneven distribution of data development funding, partnership and other resources across agencies, be addressed.
Enhanced quality data generation that is underpinned by an understanding of sectorial needs and MDAs adopting open-source systems were also highlighted.
With the emergence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as the engine of growth in the modern-day economy, the Ministry of Information is said to have grown in scope and importance.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (22/07/22)
