Parliament Advances Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill
Sia Lucy Kannah The Parliament of Sierra Leone has passed the Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill, 2026, through its Second Reading, bringing the country a step closer to strengthening the protection of citizens’ personal information and improving access to public records.
The Bill, tabled by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, seeks to establish Sierra Leone’s first comprehensive legal framework for personal data protection while updating the country’s existing freedom of information laws.
A key provision of the proposed legislation is the establishment of a single regulatory authority responsible for overseeing data protection and access to public information. Once enacted, the new authority is expected to take over the responsibilities of the existing Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC).
Under the proposed framework, both public institutions and private organisations, including banks, healthcare providers and telecommunications companies, will be subject to legal requirements governing how they collect, process, store and share personal information.
The Bill also provides stronger safeguards for sensitive personal records, including medical and financial information, while outlining citizens’ rights over their personal data. It further introduces accountability measures for institutions that fail to comply with the proposed standards.
During the parliamentary debate, Members of Parliament highlighted the importance of the legislation in protecting individual privacy in an increasingly digital society and promoting transparency in government operations.
Responding to lawmakers at the conclusion of the debate, Minister Bah thanked Parliament for its contributions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with legislators to further strengthen the proposed legislation.
Following its successful passage through the Second Reading, the Bill will proceed to the Committee Stage, where it will undergo detailed, clause-by-clause examination before returning to Parliament for the Third Reading and final consideration.