Chernor Bah Calls for Stronger Information Integrity as Global Conference Opens in Lungi
Osman Tolo Sesay Information Minister Chernor Bah has urged global stakeholders to strengthen access to reliable information as Sierra Leone hosts an international conference focused on information integrity and the digital information environment.
Bah made the call Monday while welcoming delegates to the 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners and the UNESCO Global Conference marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information in Lungi.
The three-day conference runs from September 28 to 30 at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, bringing together international and national stakeholders under the theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”
The event is hosted by Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission in collaboration with UNESCO and marks the 17th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners.
In his welcome remarks, Bah presented Sierra Leone’s history as a central part of its case for hosting discussions on freedom of information and democratic participation.
“This is a conference of freedom,” Bah told delegates, referring to Freetown’s historical association with formerly enslaved people and the city’s founding as a symbol of liberty and a new beginning.
He also cited the country’s experience with democratic transitions, including the 1996 elections held during the civil war and periods of military rule when citizens and public-sector workers resisted disruptions to constitutional governance.
Bah pointed to several reforms he said reflected Sierra Leone’s decisions to expand civic and democratic space, including the repeal of criminal libel laws, abolition of the death penalty, restoration of pregnant girls’ access to education and measures intended to increase women’s participation in governance and employment.
“These are choices that we have made as a country,” he said.
The minister said the global information environment now faces additional pressures from rapid technological change, artificial intelligence and the growing sophistication of false information.
He said those developments have created challenges for governments, media organizations, citizens and institutions seeking to protect the public’s right to access credible information while maintaining space for free expression and participation.
The conference’s official program similarly identifies information disorder and access to information as central concerns, with sessions examining issues including public-sector transparency, youth and digital platforms, beneficial ownership information and information integrity in Africa.
Bah said he hoped discussions during the conference would produce practical recommendations and contribute to a Freetown Declaration capable of guiding future efforts on access to information, information integrity and democratic participation.
The conference program provides for plenary and parallel sessions before the adoption of a Freetown ICIC/IDUAI Joint Declaration on access to information as a pillar of information integrity.
Bah also thanked Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, UNESCO officials, the ICIC community and Sierra Leonean stakeholders for their support and participation in the gathering.
Beyond the conference discussions, Bah encouraged visiting delegates to explore Sierra Leone’s history, culture and tourism attractions, including St. John’s Maroon Church, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and the country’s islands and beaches.
“For the next few days, make Sweet Salone your home,” Bah told delegates. “Speak freely, learn from one another, and make freedom, information and truth stronger together.”
The conference continues through Wednesday, September 30, with further plenary discussions, technical sessions and meetings involving information commissioners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.