Paragraph 1: Celebrating a Milestone and Acknowledging Challenges
Liberia marked the 15th anniversary of its Freedom of Information (FOI) Act on September 16, 2025, reaffirming its dedication to transparency and open governance. This law, enacted in 2010, aligns with international human rights declarations and Liberia’s own constitution, guaranteeing public access to government information. Independent Information Commission (IIC) Commissioner Joash T. Hodges hailed the FOI law as a significant achievement in fostering participatory democracy and accountability. However, he acknowledged a decline in the FOI regime since June 2024, impacting Liberia’s commitment to transparency.
Paragraph 2: Audit Reveals Widespread Non-Compliance
An IIC audit conducted between October 2nd and November 15th, 2025, exposed widespread non-compliance with the FOI Act across Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs). Of the 103 MACs assessed, only 25 had designated Public Information Officers as required. While a majority (82) maintained functional websites, only a fraction published essential documents like their enabling legislation or budget. A single entity, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), had established an Internal Information Request Review Body and submitted an FOI activity report. This lack of compliance severely hindered public access to information.
Paragraph 3: Critical Gaps Hinder Information Access
The audit revealed a critical absence of vital mechanisms for information access. A staggering 78 MACs had not appointed Public Information Officers, and none of the 103 assessed had established Internal Information Request Review Bodies. These bodies are crucial for processing information requests and facilitating public access to government-held data. Their absence effectively denies citizens their right to information, undermining the core principles of the FOI Act.
Paragraph 4: Training Initiatives to Bridge the Gap
Recognizing the significant compliance gaps, the IIC launched an aggressive training program on March 21, 2025. This initiative focused on FOI awareness, compliance procedures, and record management. Targeting 28 government institutions, the training reached 384 senior officials and employees, including departmental and sectional heads. The goal was to equip these key personnel with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement the FOI Act and foster a culture of transparency within their respective institutions.
Paragraph 5: Partnerships and Advocacy for Stronger Implementation
Collaborative efforts are underway to strengthen the FOI regime in Liberia. Jeffrey N. Yates, Executive Director of the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), highlighted the importance of information access within the extractive sector and pledged to partner with the IIC to improve transparency in this crucial area. Press Union of Liberia President, Julius Konobah, advocated for increased budgetary support for the IIC to empower its operations and encouraged journalists to utilize the FOI law in their pursuit of accurate and credible information.
Paragraph 6: Ongoing Capacity Building and Future Outlook
The IIC’s commitment to FOI implementation continues with planned training sessions in collaboration with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTEL). These sessions will target key ministries, including Gender, Children and Social Protection, Labor, Agriculture, Education, and Commerce and Industry, further expanding the reach of FOI training within the government. The IIC aims to enhance understanding and application of the FOI Act, promoting compliance and ensuring greater public access to government information in the long term. These ongoing efforts demonstrate a commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability within Liberia’s governance structures.
