LUNGI, 28th September, 2026 – Sierra Leone has positioned itself at the centre of a global debate on the right to access information, hosting the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners alongside UNESCO’s International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored Sierra Leone’s democratic strides in expanding citizens’ access to information. He reflected on the country’s past, when restrictions limited public knowledge and curtailed press freedom, contrasting it with today’s progress.
“Access to information gives voice to citizens, particularly young people, as it enables them to engage in policy debates,” Dr Jalloh declared, emphasizing that transparency is a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. His remarks set the tone for the conference, which convened commissioners, journalists, civil society groups, and global stakeholders under the theme: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”
Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah reinforced the country’s historical commitment to freedom, noting that Sierra Leone’s identity as a “freedom-loving people” must be safeguarded in the digital era. He highlighted challenges posed by artificial intelligence and misinformation, urging stronger protections for the public’s right to know.
Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission, Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, described the gathering as a defining moment for Sierra Leone and Africa. He warned that while digital platforms have expanded access, they have also intensified concerns about accuracy and trust, calling for deeper cooperation to uphold information integrity.
UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mariya Gabriel, added a global perspective, stressing that the abundance of information today makes trust and verification more critical than ever. “Access to information and information integrity are therefore two sides of the same coin,” she said, urging governments and institutions to make the right to information a lived reality.
With Sierra Leone’s Vice President at the helm of the conversation, the conference not only spotlighted the nation’s progress but also reaffirmed its role in shaping global standards for transparency, accountability, and democratic participation.
