By: Saidu Jalloh
In a major move to strengthen information governance and improve institutional efficiency, the Government of Sierra Leone has formally transferred the National Records and Archives Department from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE).
This strategic transition, approved by Cabinet following a formal policy proposal, is aimed at consolidating national records and archival responsibilities under a single, specialized institution.
Senior officials from both ministries met earlier this week to finalize the details of the transfer and discuss its broader administrative, policy, and operational implications. The engagement served as a platform to establish a clear direction for implementation, ensure administrative readiness, and assess the framework for a smooth transition.
Central to the discussions was the government’s commitment to adopting a more coordinated, lifecycle-based approach to records management encompassing the creation, maintenance, use, and eventual preservation or disposal of records.
Under the newly adopted Records and Archives Policy, placing these responsibilities under MOICE is expected to improve institutional memory, promote transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
Officials emphasized that the transfer is not merely structural but strategic, positioning MOICE to lead in implementing global best practices in information and records management.
The centralization is also set to streamline archival processes and improve coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). A spokesperson from MOICE confirmed the ministry’s readiness to absorb both the functions and staff of the department, adding that there would be no disruption in services.
“We are committed to preserving the integrity of national records and ensuring that the public continues to benefit from well-managed, secure, and accessible archives,” the spokesperson stated.
This initiative is part of broader public sector reforms aimed at modernizing governance, promoting digital transformation, and advancing Sierra Leone’s national development agenda. It also aligns with international standards that emphasize the importance of effective records and archives management in policy-making, historical preservation, and institutional accountability.
With MOICE now at the helm, the government is taking a decisive step toward more efficient, transparent, and accountable information management across the public sector.