Published: September 18, 2026
MONROVIA — The Civil Service Agency (CSA) on Wednesday, September 16, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and open government as Liberia marked the 16th anniversary of the passage of the Freedom of Information Act of 2010.
The CSA joined government institutions, development partners and civil society organizations at an official ceremony held at the Charles Gbenyon Press Hall at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia.
The anniversary observance highlighted the importance of Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Law in promoting public access to government-held information and strengthening accountability in public institutions.
As part of the observance, the Independent Information Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL) and Internews-Liberia, conducted a one-day training for Public Information Officers and members of Internal Information Request Review Bodies.
The training brought together representatives of ministries, agencies and commissions that have established structures to handle requests for information under the Freedom of Information Law.
The program was designed to strengthen the capacity of public officials responsible for responding to information requests and supporting the implementation of Liberia’s legal framework on access to information.
The participation of the CSA , the agency noted in its press statement, underscores its role in supporting principles of effective public administration and responsible governance.
The agency was represented by Atty. Denise J. Suah, director of the Legal Division; Florida B. Cummings, executive secretary to the director-general; Varflay Kamara, director of Communications and Public Relations; and Joseph N.N. Swen, director of Assets, Transport and Logistics.
During the program, the CSA reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Freedom of Information Law, particularly access to information, transparency, accountability and open government.
The agency’s participation comes as public institutions continue to face growing expectations from citizens, journalists and civil society organizations for timely and accessible information about government policies, programs and operations.
Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act, passed in 2010, provides a legal framework for members of the public to seek information held by public bodies, subject to provisions and exemptions contained in the law.
The law is widely regarded as an important component of the country’s broader governance and accountability framework because access to public information enables citizens and the media to examine government decisions and activities.
The anniversary program also provided an opportunity for public officials and stakeholders to discuss the practical responsibilities involved in implementing the law, particularly the role of designated information officers and internal review mechanisms.
The involvement of civil society and media organizations in the training reflects the collaborative approach being used to strengthen public awareness and institutional compliance with Liberia’s information-access framework.
For the CSA, reaffirming its commitment to the law places information access within the broader objective of improving public-sector governance and ensuring that government institutions remain responsive to citizens.
The agency’s participation also signals its support for continued capacity building among public officials responsible for handling information requests and promoting greater openness within government.
Liberia continues efforts to strengthen public-sector institutions, but stakeholders remain thoughtful that effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Law remains important to building transparency, accountability and public confidence in government.
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