By Alpha Abu
The Society for Democratic Initiatives (SDI) has conducted a National Stocktaking Engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Civil Society Organisations on the implementation of the Right to Access Information Law.
The event held at the Hub Hotel in Freetown attracted discussions on various outcomes in attempts to access information. Participants deliberated and shared experiences, during which the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) presented the successes and challenges faced on the implementation of the Right to Access Information Law.
The Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) led discussions on how the aspect of its transparency has been enhanced because of being able to access information.
The ACC boss Francis Ben Kaifala during the opening formalities asserted that access to information should be non-negotiable. He said the Commission understands the importance of data without which the fight against corruption would have been difficult.
He said that’s why they have a separate Information Desk to ensure provision of relevant data. He used the occasion to narrate his meeting with the EU Follow Up Mission that made a series of assertions but said he immediately provided them with all the relevant data, and believed that could have been the reason the Mission didn’t make any claims against the ACC.
The Chairman for the event and Executive Secretary of RAIC, Mustapha Braima said their institution was founded on the principles of accountability and good governance and believed RAIC cannot do it alone, thereby applauding SDI for organising such a programme. He said it is critical for citizens to hold leaders accountable and that they claim their broader rights and entitlements through access to information.
The Executive Director of SDI, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai spoke about the advantages right to access information law could provide the citizenry so they could even hold government accountable for services such as water, medicines, electricity and books, and that they live dignified lives.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Solomon Jamiru spoke about the importance of giving the people the right to access information. He said they are servants of the people and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensure regulations on rights to access information are approved and implemented.
He encouraged the participants at the session to sincerely analyse and proffer solutions in the course of their deliberations.
Sierra Leone Association of Journalists President Sahid Ahmed Nasralla said the work of journalists depends entirely on access to information without which delivery would be impossible. He said the law on the right to access information is good for Sierra Leone and described the session organised by SDI, as important.
Participants were taken through pertinent presentations by other bodies such as the National Public Procurement Authority that discussed how access to information law helped in mitigating corruption in the Procurement Sector. The Ministry of Political Affairs led discussions on how access to information enhances dialogue and cooperation among government departments and agencies.
Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) discussed with participants how access to information law has been used to enhance transparency and rule of law in justice service delivery, whilst Campaign for Good Governance made a presentation on enhancing good governance for effective service delivery through access to information. Another highlight of the event was SDI’s presentation to the Police representative an award to the force for being so receptive to SDI in accesing information over the past year.
Copyright © Politico Online (08/11/21)
