Right to Access Information Act, 2013
The freedom-of-information Act of Sierra Leone, giving the public a right of access to information held by public authorities.
Summary
The Right to Access Information Act, 2013 gives effect to the right of access to information held by public authorities in Sierra Leone. It is the country's freedom-of-information law, promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
The Act establishes a general right for any person to request and receive information held by public (and some private) bodies, requires public authorities to designate information officers and to proactively publish categories of information, and sets out the procedure and time limits for responding to requests. It provides for limited, defined exemptions, for appeals against refusals, and for an independent Right to Access Information Commission to oversee and enforce the law. It creates offences for obstructing access or destroying records.
It is a landmark transparency statute in West Africa.
Main provisions
- Establishes a general right of access to information held by public authorities.
- Requires public bodies to designate information officers and publish information.
- Sets the procedure and time limits for responding to requests.
- Provides limited, defined exemptions from disclosure.
- Establishes the Right to Access Information Commission and an appeals process.
- Creates offences for obstructing access or destroying records.