The Independent Information Commission (IIC) held a one-day training session on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act for departmental and sectional heads of the National Transit Authority (NTA). The training, organized by the IIC’s Department of Compliance, aimed to enhance the NTA’s understanding of their obligations under the FOI Act.
Acting Compliance Director and FOI expert Armah Boimah Johnson led the training, presenting a comprehensive overview of Liberia’s FOI Act, including its legal and historical background, the scope of the law, and the mandate of the Independent Information Commission. His presentation highlighted public rights to access information, the response required from Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) to FOI requests, and statutory exemptions under the law.
Johnson emphasized that the right to information is fundamental and independent of personal interest, meaning that no justification is required when requesting information. He pointed out that public bodies hold information not for themselves but as custodians for the public good. This right to information is guaranteed by the Liberian Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
The FOI expert stressed that everyone, regardless of nationality or residency status, has the right to request, receive, and retain information held by public bodies or private institutions receiving public funding. Johnson also urged public bodies to respond to requests promptly and inform requesters of the time needed to provide the information, which should not exceed 30 days.
In cases where an agency receives a request for information it does not hold, Johnson explained, it is under statutory obligation to transfer the request to the appropriate agency within 15 days and notify the requester. He clarified that an agency may deny access to information based on one or more exemptions within the FOI Act, including matters related to national security, ongoing criminal investigations, trade secrets, personal information, and privileged communications.
Johnson also called on MACs to appoint Public Information Officers as required by Chapter 3, Section 3.6 of the FOI Act, and to establish publication schemes that include the publication of budgets, enabling legislation, policies, procedures, and annual reports on their websites and social media. He emphasized that MACs must ensure compliance with the FOI Act, citing Chapter 5, Section 5.3(f), which places this responsibility on the heads of agencies.
Director Johnson disclosed that the IIC plans to hold its first FOI Compliance Dialogue with heads of MACs to further reinforce the importance of compliance with the FOI Act. He praised the leadership of Commissioner Joash T. Hodges and Hon. Lorpu P. Page for their efforts in reviving the Commission, noting the renovation of its offices, the development of a five-year strategic plan, and staff capacity-building initiatives supported by the Governance Commission.
Finally, Johnson called on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to increase funding for the IIC to help implement its decentralization and national awareness programs, as outlined under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the government, which has played a vital role in resuscitating the Commission from its previous challenges.
