The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) recently engaged stakeholders in the Eastern Region in a one-day capacity building training session. The event was held at the Kenema City Council Hall and brought together communication officers from various government ministries and departments (MDAs), civil society personnel, journalists, paramount chiefs, and other non-state actors. The training focused on RAIC regulations and records management code of practice.
The engagement included a roundtable discussion in which participants addressed key issues pertinent to the free flow of information. The stakeholders deliberated on practical recommendations to tackle existing challenges.
In his submission, the Chairman and Information Commissioner (CIC), Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to actively participate in the training process, which he assured would help the commission in achieving its set goals.
The Eastern Region Commissioner, Ahmed G. Kallon, gave a brief background of the commission, its roles, and powers. Kallon urged participants to collaborate with the commission by ensuring proactive disclosure through all possible outlets to allow unhindered access.
As part of the day's training, Madam Fanta Morgan, the National Archivist for the Commission, delivered a smart presentation on records management codes of practice. She led an interactive session with the participants, allowing them to assess the commission's successes, challenges, and lapses, and prescribe effective solutions. "For Access to Information to succeed, there must be reliable records," she noted.
Commissioner Kallon conducted the RAI Compliance Evaluation process. Participants filled out distributed forms to assess their compliance level with the commission's law to enable the commission to accentuate reforms that would complement the assessment results. Participants asked thoughtful questions and gave meaningful contributions.
Most of the recommendations are anchored around the need for logistical and welfare improvements that will enable the commission to adequately deliver its services. Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the Chairman and Information Commissioner (CIC), emphasized his desire to establish coordination with regional districts for more balanced representation.
The engagement will help the commission to improve its operations and ensure transparent and accountable governance in the eastern region.
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