The Independent Information Commission (IIC) Department of Compliance has conducted a one-day Freedom of Information (FOI) training for departmental and sectional heads of the National Transit Authority (NTA).
The session, led by IIC Acting Compliance Director and FOI expert Armah Boimah Johnson, focused on the legal and historical background of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act and the role of the Independent Information Commission. His presentation covered key aspects of the law, including public rights to access information, government agencies’ obligations to respond to FOI requests, statutory exemptions, and compliance responsibilities of ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs).
Speaking on the principles of the FOI Act, Johnson emphasized that the right to information is independent of personal interest, meaning that individuals requesting information do not need to provide a reason for their request. He noted that public institutions hold information on behalf of the people and must make it accessible as custodians of public interest.
Johnson highlighted that the right to information is enshrined in Article 15(c) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Chapter 9 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. He stressed that FOI rights apply to all individuals, regardless of nationality or residency status, allowing them to request, review, reproduce, and retain information held by public institutions or private entities performing public functions or receiving public funding.
The IIC Compliance Director urged public institutions to respond to FOI requests promptly, ensuring that responses are provided within 30 days. If a request is mistakenly sent to an agency that does not hold the requested information, he explained, the agency must transfer it to the appropriate institution within 15 days while notifying the requester.
Johnson also detailed circumstances under which agencies may deny access to information, citing Chapter 4 of the FOI Act. He clarified that only documents classified under legal exemptions such as those related to national security, ongoing criminal investigations, trade secrets, personal information, and privileged communications can be withheld. However, he emphasized that all classified documents must be justified within the law’s exemptions.
In discussing compliance, Johnson called on the NTA and other MACs to appoint Public Information Officers, establish publication schemes, and ensure transparency by publishing key documents, including budgets, policies, regulations, procurement contracts, and annual reports. He urged institutions to establish FOI request review bodies and submit annual compliance reports to the IIC, as required by law.
He further stressed that the responsibility for FOI compliance rests with the heads of government agencies, citing Chapter 5, Section 5.3(f) of the FOI Act. Johnson disclosed that the IIC, under the leadership of Commissioner Joash T. Hodges and Hon. Lorpu P. Page, is planning its first FOI Compliance Dialogue with MAC leaders to enhance accountability.
Commending the IIC leadership, Johnson highlighted recent institutional advancements, including office renovations, the development of a five-year strategic plan, the launch of the IIC website, and staff training initiatives. He called on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to increase financial support for the IIC to implement decentralization, awareness, and training programs under the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
He also expressed gratitude to the current administration for its efforts in reviving the commission, which had been struggling due to limited resources.
The training session was part of the IIC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public access to information in Liberia.
