US Ambassador Bryan Hunt flanked by RAIC officials
A team from the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) met with the Ambassador of the United States Embassy in Freetown, Bryan Hunt, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The discussion focused on RAIC’s mandate and the possibility of collaboration in the areas of transparency and accountability, where access to information plays a crucial role.
Chairman and Information Commissioner of RAIC, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, briefed Ambassador Hunt on the commission’s mandate, emphasizing that the US Embassy in Sierra Leone is a key partner. He highlighted that the United States serves as a global model for openness and transparency. Dr. Shaw noted that promoting openness in Sierra Leone remains a challenging task due to a longstanding culture of secrecy. He pointed out that it took civil society organizations and the media nearly a decade to advocate for the enactment of the Right to Access Information (RAI) Act of 2013.
Dr. Shaw informed Ambassador Hunt that in its ten years of existence, RAIC has made steady progress in facilitating access to information. While there were only 112 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in 2019, recent data shows a significant increase, with 19,496 FOI requests recorded in 2023. He further highlighted that RAIC enacted the RAI Regulation in 2022 to strengthen the implementation of the Act. He encouraged the US Embassy in Freetown to count on RAIC should they need to access information through the RAI Act.
Despite these successes, Dr. Shaw underscored the need for capacity building for RAIC staff to align them with international best practices. He appealed to the US Embassy for support, particularly as the Data Protection Bill is currently before Parliament. The expansion of RAIC’s scope and mandate necessitates enhanced capacity. He also mentioned Sierra Leone’s upcoming hosting of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in 2026, for which RAIC seeks the support of the US Embassy.
Welcoming the RAIC delegation, Ambassador Bryan Hunt expressed appreciation for the engagement, noting that it deepened his understanding of the RAI law. He inquired whether RAIC’s mandate covers election data and whether there are fees associated with accessing information. In response, RAIC’s Compliance, Planning, Policy, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, Alan Benjamin, clarified that the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) is a public authority and, therefore, subject to the RAI Law. He also noted that RAIC had recently ruled on an application for review involving lawyer Sorie Sengbeh-Marrah and another case with ECSL on behalf of a client is ongoing. Regarding fees, he emphasized that charges must only be reasonable and limited to reproduction and postage costs, if applicable.
On the matter of collaboration and support, Ambassador Hunt stated that a new administration in the US is currently undergoing a 90-day review process. Only after this review will they assess proposals and determine which align with their priority areas. He expressed particular interest in data integrity, which will be the theme for ICIC 2026.
The RAIC delegation included Western Region Commissioner Pastor Mohamed Sesay, Executive Secretary Hon. Mustapha M. Braima, Compliance, Planning, Policy, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager Alan Benjamin, Manager Public Information and Communication David Patrick Kamara, and Records and Manager, Open Data, Fanta Morgan.
For media inquiries, contact:
Amara Thoronka
Public Information & Communication Officer
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 88 283632 / +232 78 231949