Liberia IIC: FOI Act Implementation Challenges Persist After 16 Years

• The Independent Information Commission and partners commemorated the 16th anniversary of Liberia's Freedom of Information Act of 2010 on September 16, 2026.
• An IIC assessment revealed that 78 out of 103 public institutions had failed to appoint Public Information Officers at the time of the review.
• Journalists in a USAID-supported program submitted 104 FOI requests, but fewer than five received responses after 90 days, highlighting significant delays.
• Challenges to the Act's implementation include limited institutional capacity, inadequate public awareness, and weak enforcement of compliance requirements.
• The Independent Information Commission has received 18 complaints concerning FOI requests involving various institutions and individuals.

An assessment by the Independent Information Commission revealed that out of 103 public entities, a significant majority—78 institutions—had failed to designate Public Information Officers at the time of the review, indicating widespread non-compliance with the Liberia Freedom of Information Act 2010.

Liberia's Independent Information Commission (IIC), in partnership with the Ministry of Information (MOI) and a coalition of civil society and media organizations, recently observed the 16th anniversary of the nation's Freedom of Information (FOI) Act of 2010. The commemorative event, held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Charles Gbenyon Conference Hall within the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, centered on the theme, "Promoting Access, Strengthening Transparency and Advancing Accountability." It gathered a diverse group of participants, including government officials, Public Information Officers (PIOs), members of Internal Information Request Review Bodies (IIRRBs), civil society representatives, media professionals, and development partners, all united by a shared interest in advancing public information access.

As part of the anniversary activities, the IIC organized a dedicated one-day capacity-building and compliance training session. This program targeted PIOs and IIRRB members from 20 distinct public institutions, focusing on enhancing their institutional capabilities to efficiently process information requests and guarantee prompt and transparent access to public records. Acting Information Minister Johnny Tarkpah underscored the significance of this 16-year milestone, framing it as crucial to Liberia's ongoing efforts to cultivate an open and accountable society. He emphasized that accessible information empowers citizens to comprehend governmental operations, public expenditure, and decisions that directly impact their lives.

Despite the legislative framework provided by the Liberia Freedom of Information Act 2010, significant Liberia FOI Act implementation challenges persist, as highlighted by IIC Executive Director Lorpu P. Page. She noted that the anniversary served as a critical juncture to evaluate the 16-year journey of the FOI law, acknowledging both its achievements and the enduring institutional gaps. A comprehensive assessment conducted by the IIC across 103 Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions revealed a stark reality: only 25 institutions had appointed PIOs, leaving 78 without such designated officers at the time of the review. This widespread non-compliance underscores a fundamental hurdle in ensuring Liberia access to public records.

Further compounding these issues are weaknesses in proactive disclosure mechanisms, with limited publication of essential documents such as budgets, enabling legislation, and annual FOI reports. Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of CENTAL, echoed these concerns, observing that legal frameworks for information access often prove more robust in theory than in practice. He cited a range of challenges, including limited institutional capacity, insufficient public awareness, protracted delays in responding to requests, and inadequate enforcement of compliance requirements. The practical implications of these Liberia FOI Act institutional gaps were starkly illustrated by Samuka V. Konneh of Internews Liberia, who recounted a USAID-supported initiative where journalists submitted 104 FOI requests, yet fewer than five received a response even after 90 days. This highlights critical issues in PIO IIRRB compliance Liberia and the broader effectiveness of Liberia transparency law enforcement.

The legal foundation for the public's right to information in Liberia is firmly established, rooted in Article 15(c) of the 1986 Constitution and further codified by the Liberia Freedom of Information Act 2010. Information Commissioner Joash T. Hodges affirmed that the anniversary provided an essential opportunity to scrutinize both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in operationalizing this framework. The Independent Information Commission Liberia plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Act's implementation, with its mandate encompassing compliance assessments, facilitating the appointment of PIOs and IIRRBs, promoting effective records management, conducting public awareness campaigns, and adjudicating complaints and appeals.

Despite the IIC's efforts, the persistent non-compliance, particularly regarding the appointment of PIOs, indicates a significant gap between legal mandate and practical execution. Commissioner Hodges disclosed that the IIC has already received 18 FOI complaints, involving various institutions and individuals, signaling an active, albeit challenging, enforcement environment. These complaints underscore the necessity for public institutions to adhere strictly to the provisions of the FOI Act, as failure to do so can lead to formal grievances and potential enforcement actions by the IIC, impacting the effectiveness and timeliness of information requests.

Stakeholders at the anniversary event collectively called for renewed commitment and concrete actions to overcome the Liberia FOI Act implementation challenges. Malcolm W. Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, emphasized that while the Act represents a significant democratic reform, its passage was merely the initial step in Liberia's ongoing responsibility to guarantee information access. He stressed that this right extends to all citizens, not exclusively journalists, and encouraged PIOs to serve as crucial facilitators between government bodies and the public.

Julius Kullie Kanubah, President of the Press Union of Liberia, reiterated that access to information is a fundamental right for every citizen, encompassing diverse groups such as farmers, students, health workers, civil servants, business people, and ordinary residents. He advocated for stronger public education initiatives, enhanced institutional capacity, sustainable funding mechanisms, and robust protections for individuals utilizing the FOI law. Additionally, Samuka V. Konneh from Internews Liberia called for a clearer delineation of responsibilities between PIOs and public relations officers, aiming to streamline the information request process and improve responsiveness. These collective appeals highlight the critical need for sustained efforts to strengthen Liberia transparency law enforcement and ensure the full realization of the FOI Act's objectives.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising entities in Liberia should note the significant non-compliance and institutional gaps in the implementation of the FOI Act, which could impact the effectiveness and timeliness of information requests and expose public institutions to complaints and enforcement actions by the IIC.

Source: Original reporting via FrontPageAfrica