The Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Yusuf Burak Rende, has on Monday 25th of February, met with a team from the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) at its embassy on Aberdeen Beach Road in Freetown. The meeting aimed to establish a foundation for partnership and collaboration between RAIC Sierra Leone and its Turkish counterpart.
Recounting the commission’s achievements in 2023, as outlined in the 2023 annual report presented to the Ambassador, Chairman and Information Commissioner Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw highlighted a significant increase in Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. He noted that FOI requests had surged from just 112 in 2019 to an impressive 19,496 in 2023—a remarkable leap from previous years.
Dr. Shaw also discussed the recent launch of the RAIC’s Digital Platform, which enables requesters and public authorities to submit and respond to requests more efficiently. He emphasized that this innovation has greatly improved the speed and responsiveness of FOI processes. Additionally, he underscored the need for training public authorities on the use of the digital platform and other matters related to access to information.
Welcoming the team from RAIC Sierra Leone, His Excellency Yusuf Burak Rende expressed his pleasure in receiving the Right to Access Information Commission at the Turkish Embassy in Sierra Leone, particularly at a time when the Commission’s work has been highly visible.
He noted that Turkey’s approach to information requests differs from that of Sierra Leone, as they have a central hub that receives all requests and distributes them to the relevant public authorities. If an authority does not hold the requested information, it is required to transfer the request to the appropriate body. This system ensures a clear record of all information requests and their outcomes.
The Ambassador acknowledged potential areas for collaboration between the Turkish Embassy and RAIC, citing initiatives such as the open data portal, digital access to information, capacity-building programs, and experience sharing between Sierra Leone and Turkey. He emphasized the importance of continued communication with RAIC to foster an effective and productive partnership.
The Chairman and Information Commissioner was accompanied to the meeting by his Executive Secretary Hon Mustapha Braima and Communications Manager, David Patrick Kamara.
For media inquiries, contact:
Amara Thoronka
Public Information & Communication Officer
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 88 283632 / +232 78 231949