The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has issued a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Independent Information Commission (IIC) to effectively promote and implement Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Speaking at the conclusion of a one-day FOI awareness workshop organized by the IIC in Monrovia, WONGOSOL emphasized the need to decentralize FOI education efforts.
The organization called for the law to be introduced at the community level to ensure broader public understanding—particularly among women, who often play pivotal roles in community engagement and education.
WONGOSOL further urged the IIC to increase support for community-based organizations and designated FOI focal persons to expand outreach and public education initiatives. According to the group, empowering local actors will enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the FOI law across Liberia.
During the opening session of the workshop, IIC Executive Director Madam Lorpu Page encouraged citizens to actively participate in the promotion and utilization of the FOI Act. She highlighted the critical role women can play in disseminating information and training others, noting that their involvement is essential to driving societal change.
Also presenting at the workshop was Mr. Sammie S. Nyanfor, Director of Outreach at the IIC, who delivered a lecture on the fundamentals of the FOI law. He provided participants with an overview of the legal framework and procedures for accessing public information.
Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act, enacted on September 16, 2010, grants all citizens the right to request and obtain information from public institutions.
The law outlines mechanisms for internal and judicial review in cases where access is denied or responses are deemed unsatisfactory. It also requires the appointment of Public Information Officers in every government agency to facilitate the processing of FOI requests.
