The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has welcomed Sierra Leone’s performance in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) 2027 Scorecard, after the country recorded 84 percent in the Freedom of Information indicator.
According to the Commission, Sierra Leone passed 11 of the 22 governance and development indicators assessed in the latest scorecard. RAIC described the Freedom of Information result as a sign of the country’s continued efforts to promote transparency, accountability and public access to information.
The Freedom of Information indicator assesses how governments support the free flow of information, taking into account press freedom, access to information laws and restrictions on internet and social media use.
Reacting to the results, RAIC Chairman and Information Commissioner, Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, said the country’s performance reflects years of work to strengthen citizens’ access to public information.
He explained that since assuming leadership of the Commission in late 2018, public awareness of the Right to Access Information Act of 2013 has increased, leading to a significant rise in information requests submitted to public institutions.
Figures provided by the Commission show that information requests increased from 112 in 2019 to 144 in 2020 and 369 in 2021. The number rose sharply to 13,016 in 2022 and reached 19,391 in 2023, before declining to 15,860 in 2024.
Dr Shaw attributed the growth to nationwide public education campaigns, stronger engagement with government institutions and improved enforcement of the law.
The Commission also highlighted Sierra Leone’s performance in previous MCC assessments. According to RAIC, the country scored 71 percent in 2019, 85 percent in 2020 and 2021, 90 percent in 2022 and 98 percent in 2023.
The score later dropped to 89 percent in 2024 before rising to 91 percent in 2025 and 95 percent in 2026.
Although the latest score of 84 percent represents an 11-percentage-point decline from 2026, RAIC maintained that Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to freedom of information.
The Commission said it has strengthened efforts to ensure that public institutions comply with their legal responsibilities, including encouraging proactive publication of government information and timely responses to requests from citizens.
RAIC has also introduced stronger enforcement measures, including penalties against public authorities that fail to meet their obligations under the law.
Beyond national efforts, the Commission highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing participation in international initiatives promoting access to information.
In September 2026, RAIC, in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners alongside activities marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
According to the Commission, Sierra Leone became the second African country to host the international conference, following South Africa in 2019.
RAIC also credited the repeal of the criminal and seditious libel provisions under Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965 in 2020 as an important reform that has helped strengthen press freedom in Sierra Leone.
The Commission said the reform contributed to creating a more favourable environment for journalists and citizens to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
Dr Shaw reaffirmed RAIC’s commitment to expanding public education, improving institutional compliance and ensuring that citizens can obtain information from public authorities.
He stressed that continued cooperation among government institutions, civil society organisations, the media and citizens will be essential to sustaining Sierra Leone’s progress in transparency and democratic governance.
The Commission maintained that access to information remains an important tool for promoting accountable leadership, encouraging public participation and strengthening public trust in government institutions.
RAIC Sierra Leone’s 84% MCC 2027
