The northern regional office of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) engaged stakeholders in Masingbi, Tonkolili District. on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, to popularize the Right to Access Information (RAI) Law and educate citizens in the region on their right to access information held by public authorities in a bid to enlighten people on mechanisms to access and receive information.
In his opening remarks, Mr Abu Bakarr Kargbo, the Northern Regional Commissioner of RAIC, said right to access information is a foundational requirement of democratic governance that facilitates transparency, accountability, and citizensโ participation in public affairs.
โLimiting access to information can have detrimental effects, including misinformation and disinformation. It is our collective responsibility to promote and protect right to access information by ensuring that individuals access information speedily and inexpensively,โ Commissioner Kargbo told the people of Masingbi.
According to him, numerous advocacy groups and NGOs have launched campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the RAI laws, while recognizing the role of social media and mobile applications as key tools in enabling broader outreach and facilitating instant access to information.
He further explained the value and benefit of the new digital platform designed by the RAIC to digitalize and expedite access to information nationwide.
โThe digital platform caters for all citizens in need of information for easy access from public authorities. It is an alternative to the paper-based system of requesting for information. Now, you can go to the RAICโs official website to access the forms to request for information and even complain public authorities for non-compliance. Public authorities can also use the same platform to acknowledge receipt of information request and even provide requested information,โ Commissioner Kargbo explained while encouraging people to use the said digital platform.
The paramount chief representative Pa Tholley appreciated the Commissionโs efforts in the fight for openness and accountability in both public and private sectors and encouraged the Commission to continue popularizing its mandate in the chiefdom.
Commissioner Kargbo urged stakeholders to collaborate with the Regional Office in Makeni City for easy access to information from public authorities.
For more information, contact:
John Kalokoh
Public Information and Communications Officer
RAIC Northern Region
+232 77 994090 / +232 78 173000
