RAIC Headquarters, Middle Hill Cut Road, Freetown, 18 June 2026: The Director of Communications and Public Affairs of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Elkass Sannoh, has informed a consultative meeting that the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, is a progressive leader who consistently supports institutional reforms, including the development of the Right to Access Information Commission’s (RAIC) proposed Rules of Procedure and Complaint Handling Manual.
The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) is currently developing its Rules of Procedure and Complaint Handling Manual pursuant to Section 32(3) of the Right to Access Information Act, 2013. To facilitate this process, the Commission convened a consultative meeting comprising representatives of the judicial body, civil society organizations, and members of the media to review the draft documents.
Representing the Honourable Chief Justice, Elkass Sannoh stated that the Judiciary of Sierra Leone welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure and Complaint Handling Manual. He noted that the Judiciary recognizes access to information as a fundamental democratic principle that promotes transparency, accountability, good governance, and meaningful public participation in national development.
At the same time, he emphasized that the Judiciary has a constitutional obligation to safeguard judicial independence, protect the integrity of court proceedings, preserve confidential information, and ensure the fair administration of justice.
In light of these responsibilities, Director Sannoh cautioned that any Rules of Procedure and Complaint Handling Manual should strike an appropriate balance between the public’s right to access information and the need to protect legitimate exemptions recognized under the law.
The Judiciary’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs further reaffirmed the Chief Justice’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information while safeguarding the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair administration of justice.
“We therefore pledge our continued support and collaboration with the Right to Access Information Commission in this important undertaking,” Sannoh stated.
For more information, please contact the Communications and Public Affairs Unit of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, visit our website on www.judiciary.gov.sl, or follow our official social media platforms.
