Published: September 29, 2025
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting citizens’ right to access public information, describing it as both a cornerstone of democratic governance and a fundamental human right.
Acting Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) Johhny S. Tarkpah underscored that access to information is guaranteed not only under the 1986 Liberian Constitution but also through international legal instruments.
“This right is not only guaranteed under Article 15(c) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, but also resonates with Chapter 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Chapter 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Tarkpah said Tuesday during a one-day training on FOI compliance, integrity building and anti-corruption at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
The program was organized by the Independent Information Commission (IIC), in partnership with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) and supported by the Swedish government.
FOI as a Democratic Tool
Minister Tarkpah recalled that the global Freedom of Information (FOI) movement emerged as a practical mechanism to make governments answerable to their people—transforming the citizen’s “right to know” from an aspiration into a routine public service.
“At its core, FOI opens the machinery of the state to scrutiny, improves service delivery through evidence-based decision-making, and deters waste, abuse, and corruption by shining light on how public resources are managed,” Tarkpah said.
He added that in Liberia, the FOI framework gives tangible meaning to democratic participation by ensuring that citizens, journalists, researchers, and civil society can obtain timely, accurate, and complete information to hold institutions accountable.
Strengthening FOI Compliance
The acting MICAT boss called on all Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) to comply fully with the FOI Act. This includes appointing Public Information Officers as required under Chapter 3, Section 3.6, and establishing Internal Information Request Review Bodies under Chapter 6, Section 6.2 of the FOI Act.
“These mechanisms are critical to guaranteeing citizens’ access to public information,” Tarkpah emphasized.
He also urged both government and development partners to strengthen the IIC to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the FOI Act.
Linking Transparency to Integrity and Accountability
Tarkpah stressed that transparency must go hand in hand with accountability, professionalism, and ethical standards.
“I call upon all officials and public servants to uphold the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties. Transparency is only meaningful when accompanied by honesty and accountability,” he said.
He further encouraged CENTAL to expand its support to the IIC’s compliance initiatives to reinforce a culture of openness and accountability.
Push for Data Protection and Privacy Legislation
Recognizing the role of the Legislature, Tarkpah appealed to lawmakers to ensure the timely passage of the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill, which is currently under consideration.
“This Bill is critical to strengthening citizens’ trust in the protection of their personal information and advancing our democratic governance framework,” he said.
Commending Partners
Tarkpah praised the Independent Information Commission and CENTAL for convening the training, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening Liberia’s FOI culture.
“Your sustained leadership to revive Freedom of Information practice, to professionalize compliance, and to embed FOI as a vital pillar of the current governance process deserves our collective appreciation,” he said. “As I deliver these special remarks, I applaud your practical focus on skills, systems, and standards that turn rights on paper into rights in practice.”
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