Monrovia – The Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), Malcolm Wleemogar Joseph, has called on the Government of Liberia to demonstrate stronger political will in upholding and enforcing the Freedom of Information (FOI) law. His call came during his special remarks at the opening of a two-day FOI Awareness, Compliance, and Records Management Training Workshop held at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) Conference Hall on Tuesday, June 11, 2025.
The event, organized by the Independent Information Commission (IIC) in collaboration with MICAT, the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), BudgIT Liberia, and SATAC Liberia, brought together principal deputies, department heads, and communication officers from various Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs). The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of FOI obligations, compliance mechanisms, and effective records management practices.
Mr. Joseph, regarded as one of the pioneers behind Liberia’s FOI law enacted in 2010, underscored the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right and a pillar of democratic governance. He praised the legal framework of Liberia’s FOI law but lamented the persistent implementation gaps, citing limited awareness, institutional resistance, and inadequate infrastructure as core challenges hindering full compliance.
“Legal frameworks alone are not enough. What is needed now is the political will of government leaders at all levels to invest in systems, guarantee adequate funding, and promote a culture of transparency and accountability,” Joseph stated. He urged government institutions to view compliance not merely as a legal requirement but as a strategic component of good governance and public service delivery.
Mr. Joseph emphasized the pivotal role of robust records management systems in the effective implementation of FOI, noting that poorly maintained records directly impact the timeliness and accuracy of information access. He urged participants to embrace their roles as ambassadors of transparency who will carry forward the principles of openness within their respective institutions.
Commending the Independent Information Commission for its leadership and steadfast commitment, the CEMESP Executive Director pledged continued partnership with the Commission and civil society to support Liberia’s journey toward full FOI implementation. He concluded by reiterating the transformative power of transparency in reducing corruption, strengthening institutions, and fostering sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the IIC highlighted the significance of the concluded two-day training held on June 11 and 13, 2025, at the MICAT Charles Gbenyon Press Hall. The sessions, which targeted MACs’ Principal Deputies, Heads of Finance or Procurement, Records, IT, and Communications, focused on building capacity in the use, interpretation, and application of the FOI Act.
IIC Commissioner Joash T. Hodges opened the training with an overview of Liberia’s FOI law, addressing its historical background, scope, statutory exemptions, and appeal procedures. The IIC’s Compliance Head, Armah Boimah Johnson, led the second session, emphasizing MACs’ obligations under the law and the steps needed to ensure institutional compliance.
The third session, led by Mr. Kaipee Newray, Communication Director of the CNDRA, focused on practical guidelines for effective public records collection, storage, and maintenance. His presentation offered key solutions and recommendations aimed at strengthening records management across government entities.
The workshop also featured special remarks from representatives of CEMESP, BudgIT Liberia, and other stakeholders, all emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing transparency and public accountability through the enforcement of Liberia’s FOI law.
As Liberia works to consolidate its democratic gains, stakeholders at the forum agreed that the full realization of FOI is not just a legal obligation but a vital pathway to empowering citizens and ensuring responsive governance.
