The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and timely access to public information in Sierra Leone.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Integrity House, the national secretariat of the ACC in Freetown. The MoU is intended to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in promoting good governance through improved access to information and anti-corruption efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman and Information Commissioner of RAIC, Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, stated that although both institutions have distinct mandates, their roles are complementary in building a transparent and corruption-free society.
“The roles of the RAIC and ACC are different but complementary. Our mandate is to facilitate access to information, while the ACC focuses on fighting corruption. The Anti-Corruption Commission requires access to information to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases,” he said.
Dr. Shaw emphasized that access to information plays a critical role in preventing corruption, particularly through proactive disclosure of how public resources are utilized. He further noted that both institutions can collaborate to ensure that public bodies consistently make information available to citizens.
He also commended the ACC for its compliance with the Right to Access Information Act 2013, particularly in fulfilling both proactive and reactive disclosure obligations. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for the ACC’s hospitality during a recent visit by the African Network of Information Commissioners in Freetown.
Dr. Shaw further called for collaboration ahead of the upcoming International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), which will be jointly hosted in Freetown.
In response, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, described the MoU as a major milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation for accountability.
“It is clear that both the RAIC and ACC are committed to ensuring a transparent and accountable society, especially in the management of public resources,” he said.
Mr. Ngobie stressed that access to timely and reliable information is essential for the effective functioning of the Anti-Corruption Commission, adding that the new partnership will significantly support its investigative work. He reaffirmed the ACC’s commitment to implementing the MoU and sustaining collaboration with RAIC.
Also speaking, ACC Operations Coordinator Patrick Sandi urged both institutions to move beyond signing the agreement and ensure immediate implementation.
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including the establishment of a public accountability committee, information sharing, joint public education campaigns, training and capacity building, joint resource mobilization, and collaboration on legislative and policy reviews.
The RAIC delegation included the Commissioner for Western Area, Pastor Mohamed Sesay; the Executive Secretary, Hon. Mustapha M. Braima; and other senior officials of the Commission.