The head of the Independent Information Commission (IIC) decries ministries and agencies failure to provide non-exempt information to the public about the workings of the government.
Joash Togar Hodges said Withholding of information from the public creates a flourishing fake news industry and uninformed society thereby diminishing the quality of democracy and undermining government’s programs and policies.
He made the statement Monday in Monrovia on the observance of the 14th anniversary of the signing of the Act to establish Freedom of Information (FOI) in the country.
The passage of the FOI Law in 2010 under the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was a milestone accomplishment, demonstrating the government’s commitment to participatory democracy, accountability, and transparency through public access to information.
Commissioner Hodges however, revealed that despite the commission’s efforts, several ministries and agencies have not been in full compliance with their statutory obligations under the FOI Law. Only 8% of the 50 institutions assessed were in full compliance, while 82% were in partial compliance and 10% were in non-compliance, he said.
“This high level of non-compliance from ministries and agencies have limited public the right to know about the operations of their government,” the commissioner stated, adding that this has contributed to the public’s susceptibility to misinformation and disinformation.
The IIC has taken steps to address this issue, reminding all heads of ministries, agencies, and private bodies supported by public resources to appoint Public Information Officers, establish Internal Information Request Review Bodies, and maintain updated and accessible publication schemes.
The Commissioner also highlighted the challenges faced by the IIC, including low budgetary allocations and limited resources, which have hindered its ability to carry out its statutory responsibilities, including nationwide awareness campaigns and the decentralization of the commission to the 15 counties.
Under the current administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the IIC has seen a significant increase in its budget allocation for goods and services, from $8,609 in 2023 to $156,152 in 2024.
The commission is optimistic that with the increased support, it can expand its programs and activities, including the establishment of Freedom of Information Hubs in the counties and the development of an online digital portal for filing information requests.
The celebration of the 14th anniversary is part of the commission’s preparatory activities leading up to the International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on October 1, 2024. The IIC encourages civil society organizations and media institutions to join in supporting and holding discussions on Liberia’s FOI Law as part of the IDUAI celebrations.
