RIAC Northern Region To Establish Clubs In Academic Institutions
The Northern Region Commissioner of the Rights to Access Information (RIAC) Abu Bakarr Kargbo has disclosed to this media that the Commission will soon establish RIAC Clubs in Schools and Universities as part of the continuous effort to enlighten the general populace about the mandate of the Commission.
He added that there have been several transformations since he took over the office as the Regional Commissioner with the work of the Commission now visible noting “there is now more awareness about the work of the Commission this is as a result of regular radio discussion programs and several engagements, before this time many people considered the Commission either as an NGO or any other private institution, however that perception is no more because of effective sensitisation” he revealed.
Commissioner Kargbo added that in marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information on Wednesday, 28th September 2022 the Commission engaged Civil Society Organisations and other institutions about the penalties for failing to provide the information requested by any citizen “It is a civil rights of the citizen to access information and is in line with the Fundamental Human Rights (FHR) which is freedom of expression, more so globally Sierra Leone is implementing the fifth strongest laws to guarantee the rights of citizens to access information” he noted.
He concluded that the rationale for establishing RIAC Clubs in educational institutions is for the pupils and students to serve as ambassadors in propagating the work of the Commission both in academic institutions as well as in their homes, also there are plans for chiefdom activities
