RAIC and ACC Sign MOU to Advance Transparency and Accountability in Public Service

The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU is designed to ensure that the two public institutions work collaboratively in realising and sustaining transparency and accountability through swift access to public information.

In his remark, Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission, noted that the mandates of both institutions are crucial in promoting an open and corruption-free society.

“The roles of the RAIC and ACC are different but complementary. Our mandate is to facilitate access to information while the ACC focuses on fighting against corruption. The Anti-Corruption Commission needs access to information in investigating and prosecuting acts of corruption,” He stated.

Additionally, Commissioner Shaw emphasised the importance of access to information in preventing and fighting corruption, explaining the significant role of proactive disclosure in evaluating how public funds are utilised.

He said the RAIC and ACC can collaborate on several fronts, including causing public institutions to make public information available proactively.

The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission applauded the ACC for being one of the compliant public authorities with their obligation under the Right to Access Information Act 2013, which mandates public authorities to adhere to both proactive and reactive disclosure of information.

He also thanked the ACC leadership for the warm hospitality given to the delegation of the African Network of Information Commissioners, who were in Freetown recently to hold their executive meeting.

Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie, the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, described the MoU as a significant milestone for both institutions.

“It is obvious that the mandates of both the RAIC and ACC centre on ensuring a transparent and accountable society, particularly for institutions that utilise public funds,” he stated.

Mr. Ngobie recognised the vital role of access to information, adding that, without access to timely and credible information, the work of the ACC will be very challenging.

He assured the RAIC of the ACC’s commitment to implementing the contents of the MOU and assured continued collaboration.