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The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) of Sierra Leone held a crucial meeting with Prof. Dr. Louisa Specht Riemenschneider, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information in Germany, during the 2025 International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) held from June 23 to 25.
The discussions aimed to foster cooperation in the areas of access to information (ATI) and data protection between the two countries.
The Chairman and Information Commissioner of RAIC, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, emphasized the historical context of Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Act, enacted in 2013.
He referenced the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which identified government opacity as a significant contributor to the civil conflict. “The TRC recommended the establishment of ATI legislation, which ultimately led to the creation of RAIC,” Dr. Shaw remarked.
During the meeting, Dr. Shaw outlined RAIC’s recent enforcement actions under the ATI law, asserting compliance measures taken against high-profile institutions. He specifically mentioned a recent case involving the Bank of Sierra Leone, which RAIC successfully pursued.
“We are eager to collaborate with our German counterparts to share best practices in ATI and data protection,” he stated, expressing particular interest in Germany’s approach as Sierra Leone prepares to implement its own data protection law.
Specht Riemenschneider provided insights into Germany’s data protection framework, which integrates both advisory and supervisory functions. She explained that while her office has the authority to initiate investigations and impose fines under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Data Protection Act (BDSG), it does not have the power to sanction freedom-of-information issues.
“Our ATI and data protection laws are designed to work in harmony, preventing any legal conflicts,” she noted. Furthermore, she indicated that compliance among German public institutions with ATI laws is generally strong, reducing the necessity for sanctions.
Shaw further announced that Sierra Leone will host the ICIC in 2026 and expressed intentions to collaborate with GIZ, Germany’s development agency, to secure support for the upcoming event. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing policy exchanges, enhancing institutional capacities, and advancing digital governance initiatives.
