Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reflected on the country’s journey from restricted access to information to a more open society where citizens can demand answers from public institutions.
He made the remarks on Monday, September 28, 2026, while serving as keynote speaker at the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners and the UNESCO International Day for Universal Access to Information held in Lungi.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s history, Vice President Jalloh recalled the country’s early newspaper culture and the restrictions that followed during the one-party era and civil war.
He said the return to democratic governance created an opportunity to restore citizens’ rights, including their right to access information.
“Today, looking back, how far we have come from the days of one party, from the days when citizens did not have access to information, where journalists were imprisoned in this country, to where we are, and the progress we have made, we are satisfied with what we continue to do,” he said.
Vice President Jalloh said the progress goes beyond the enactment of laws and establishment of institutions, stressing that access to information gives ordinary citizens a stronger voice in governance.
He noted that access to information enables citizens to understand government decisions, participate in public affairs and hold public officials accountable.
“Access to information gives voice to citizens, particularly young people, as it enables them to engage in policy debates,” Vice President Jalloh said.
The Acting Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Jamestina Essie Leonora King, also highlighted progress made in improving access to information within the Judiciary.
Justice King noted that, unlike in the past, journalists are now permitted to attend and report on court proceedings. She also said the Judiciary has expanded public access to judgments and other court information through its website and social media platforms.
“This is all work in progress,” she said, adding that the Judiciary continues to strengthen court reporting and ensure that the right to access information is protected and enforced.