IIC Survey: Low Liberia FOI Law Awareness in Grand Gedeh

• An IIC survey in Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, found that 87.6% of 1,875 respondents were unaware of the 2010 Freedom of Information Act.
• A significant majority also lacked knowledge on how (85.3%) or where (85.5%) to submit an FOI request.
• Despite low awareness, 95.6% of respondents supported public access to information, and 94.9% believed it enhances government accountability.
• The survey identified radio (88.9%) and community engagement (80.4%) as preferred methods for future awareness campaigns.
• As part of the initiative, 25 local youth were trained as Data Collectors and FOI Ambassadors, equipped with knowledge of the Act and digital data collection.

Lawyers advising clients on public information access in Liberia's Grand Gedeh county should be aware of the extremely low public awareness of the FOI Act, which may impact the frequency and nature of requests received by public bodies.

Despite the enactment of Liberia's Freedom of Information Act in 2010, a recent survey conducted by the Independent Information Commission (IIC) has unveiled a profound lack of public understanding regarding the legislation within Grand Gedeh County. The comprehensive Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Survey, which engaged 1,875 respondents, revealed that a striking 87.6% had never encountered the law. This significant gap in Liberia FOI law awareness Grand Gedeh extends beyond mere recognition of the statute, as 85.3% of participants were unaware of the proper procedure for submitting a Freedom of Information request, and an almost identical 85.5% did not know where such requests should be directed.

This data suggests a substantial disconnect between the legal framework established by the Liberia Freedom of Information Act 2010 and its practical application by citizens. Lawyers advising clients on public information access in Liberia's Grand Gedeh county should be aware of the extremely low public awareness of the FOI Act, which may impact the frequency and nature of requests received by public bodies. The findings underscore a critical need for enhanced public awareness FOI Liberia initiatives to bridge the knowledge divide and empower residents to exercise their right to access information.

While the survey highlighted a severe lack of familiarity with the FOI Act, it also uncovered strong public endorsement for the principles of transparency and accountability. A substantial 95.6% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that citizens should possess the right to access public information, and 94.9% believed that such access directly contributes to improved government accountability. This presents a notable paradox: a widespread desire for open governance coexists with a profound ignorance of the legal mechanism designed to facilitate it.

Further complicating the landscape, 85.3% of those surveyed expressed a belief that citizens are apprehensive about requesting information from public institutions. This perception of fear, coupled with the lack of knowledge about the FOI request process Liberia, suggests that even where the will to seek information exists, practical and psychological barriers prevent its exercise. The results emphasize that the mere existence of legislation is insufficient; sustained educational efforts are crucial to translate legal rights into tangible public action.

The IIC survey not only identified awareness deficits but also provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies for future public awareness campaigns. A significant majority, 88.9% of respondents, indicated a preference for radio as a primary channel for disseminating information about the FOI Act. Additionally, 80.4% identified direct community engagement as another vital method for public education.

Beyond traditional media, the findings pointed to promising opportunities for digital outreach. Approximately 77.6% of respondents reported regular internet usage, and 81.4% expressed a willingness to utilize an official FOI website to learn about their rights or submit information requests. These preferences offer the Independent Information Commission a clear roadmap for developing a multi-faceted approach, combining radio broadcasts, grassroots community initiatives, and digital platforms to effectively strengthen access to information Liberia across Grand Gedeh and other underserved regions.

The KAP Survey was an integral part of a broader IIC initiative conducted from October 14–17, 2026, aimed at bolstering public awareness, fostering transparency, and extending access to information services to communities in southeastern Liberia. A key achievement of this program was the recruitment and training of 25 young individuals from Grand Gedeh County to serve as Data Collectors and Freedom of Information Ambassadors. This localized approach, which contrasts with relying on personnel from other counties, equipped these individuals with in-depth knowledge of the FOI Act, professional interviewing techniques, research ethics, data integrity, and digital data collection using KoBoCollect.

The one-day training session, held on October 14, 2026, in Zwedru, brought together the selected Data Collectors, representatives from the county administration, and officials from the Independent Information Commission. This initiative also included a one-hour radio awareness program broadcast on TOP FM and a two-day community-based survey conducted on October 16–17. Compliance officers in Liberian public institutions, particularly in underserved regions, should recognize the significant gap in public understanding of the FOI Act as a compliance risk, necessitating proactive internal training and clear procedural guidelines for handling potential information requests.

Lawyers advising clients on public information access in Liberia's Grand Gedeh county should be aware of the extremely low public awareness of the FOI Act, which may impact the frequency and nature of requests received by public bodies. Compliance officers in Liberian public institutions, particularly in underserved regions, should recognize the significant gap in public understanding of the FOI Act as a compliance risk, necessitating proactive internal training and clear procedural guidelines for handling potential information requests.

Source: Original reporting via news source