IPNEWS: The government has mandated all public institutions to appoint a Public Information Officer (PIO) and establish an internal review mechanism as a significant move to improve transparency and accountability.
This directive is part of the broader implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Law, designed to promote proactive disclosure of government’s documents and foster a culture of openness.
The Freedom of Information Law stipulates that every public body must designate at least one staff member as a Public Information Officer.
This individual is tasked with serving as the primary point of contact for the public regarding information requests.
Their responsibilities extend beyond merely managing these requests; they are also expected to promote best practices in record management and assist underserved populations, including the illiterate and physically challenged, in accessing vital information.
The appointment of PIOs represents a critical shift towards making government more accessible and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
Under Chapter 6, Section 6.2 of the Freedom of Information Act, applicants who receive negative responses to their information requests are granted the right to an internal review.
This review process is essential for ensuring accountability within government agencies. It mandates that a senior official or an established internal body conducts the review, documenting the outcomes in writing and sharing them with the applicant within 30 working days.
This feature not only protects the rights of citizens but also encourages public agencies to carefully consider their decisions.
Article 2, Section 2.3 of the Freedom of Information Law requires public authorities to make key documents available to the public as soon as they are generated.
This includes essential documents such as enabling legislation, policies, budget details, and organizational charts.
By ensuring that these documents are accessible, with hard copies available in public offices, the government is taking significant strides toward demystifying its operations and fostering trust among the populace.
To further promote accountability, all public bodies are required to report annually to the Independent Information Commission.
These reports will detail their activities related to the Freedom of Information Act, including data on the number of information requests received, pending requests, refusals, processing times, and fees collected.
This systematic reporting aims to highlight compliance with the law and provide a clear picture of how public agencies are performing in terms of transparency.
This initiative reflects Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that public bodies operate as transparent agents of the public.
It reinforces the principle that access to information is a fundamental right, independent of personal interest.
As citizens become more empowered to seek information, the potential for increased civic engagement, accountability, and democratic participation grows.
In the coming months, the impact of these measures will begin to unfold. Citizens, equipped with the knowledge of their rights, are expected to engage more actively with their government.
Community workshops will be organized to educate the public about how to make information requests and navigate the new internal review processes.
The presence of PIOs in government offices will serve as a bridge, facilitating communication and ensuring that no one is left in the dark.
The Independent Information Commission, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the law, will monitor the progress of these initiatives closely.
They will provide training and resources to public institutions, ensuring that the PIOs are well-equipped to handle the demands of their roles.
Feedback mechanisms will also be established, allowing citizens to share their experiences and suggestions for improvement.
