31/08/2020
*RAIC Presents 2019 Report To Deputy Information Minister*
*BY: SLPP NUBC, BLOGS*🌴🌴
In line with its mandate, the Chairman/Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, on Wednesday 26th August 2020, officially presented the Commission’s annual report to the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Madam Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara, in the Ministry’s conference room at Youyi Building in Freetown.
Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, during his presentation said that the 2019 report is the first produced by the Commission since its establishment in 2014. According to him, they inherited what he described as a ground zero situation, without any annual report or audited financial report in addition to very weak internal controls, limited and low staff capacity.
He explained that after taking over, they had to call in the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) and commissioned both internal and external audit to address the confused situation they inherited. As a way of leading by example, and in making the transition from a culture of secrecy to a culture of openness, transparency and accountability, Dr Seaga Shaw said they decided to produce an annual report that will cover the first year of their reign.
He thanked staff of the Commission, local and international partners for their invaluable cooperation and support, adding that details of the report will be made public when it is presented to Parliament.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Madam Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara, in her statement after receiving the report, on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the RAIC Chairman and his team for holding the fort and fulfilling their mandate by producing the very first report of the Commission.
According to her, the presentation shows the seriousness the Commission puts into its job, noting that the RAIC is very critic