The Independent Information Commission (IIC) has announced the commencement of a comprehensive audit of government institutions as part of its efforts to ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
The compliance easement will take place from October 21 to November 15, 2023, targeting ministries, agencies and other public entities including the military and paramilitary institutions.
IIC Executive Director Lorpu Page revealed the details of the audit in a circular issued on Monday, emphasizing the Commission’s role in promoting transparency and accountability in the Liberian government.
This compliance assessment is vital for determining the state of FOI adherence across government agencies, she said.
Under the FOI Act, all public institutions are mandated to appoint a Public Information Officer (PIO) responsible for managing requests for information and coordinating responses.
This officer will also support best practices in record maintenance and assist the public, particularly marginalized groups, in navigating the information-request process.
The Act also requires public bodies to establish internal review mechanisms for applicants dissatisfied with the responses to their requests. These reviews must be completed within thirty working days, providing an avenue for greater accountability.
Another crucial aspect of the FOI Act is proactive disclosure, which obliges public authorities to automatically publish certain key documents—such as budgets, policies, and organizational charts—immediately upon generation or receipt. This initiative aims to make information widely accessible and promote citizen engagement.
The IIC’s assessment will verify whether government institutions have established these practices and complied with reporting obligations outlined in the FOI Act. Agencies are expected to submit annual reports detailing their activities regarding public information requests, including the number of requests received and processed.
