Published: September 24, 2025
MONROVIA — Anderson D. Miamen, executive director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has challenged the government to end what he called “excessive secrecy” around public information, warning that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Law must be fully implemented if Liberia is to strengthen accountability.
Miamen issued the warning 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 CENTAL and supported by the Swedish government.
Transparency Versus Secrecy
Citing the constitution and international frameworks, Miamen said government institutions must prioritize proactive disclosure rather than hiding behind restrictive interpretations of the law.
“Access to information is an important instrument,” he said. “As government institutions and even civil society, your foremost priority should be to provide proactive information to the public.”
He acknowledged that officials may hesitate to release certain details but insisted that budgetary information and routine dealings should not be withheld. “Most government dealings should have no restriction,” Miamen said, warning that secrecy erodes trust and weakens accountability.
Civil Society “Not an Enemy”
Miamen also sought to dispel the notion that civil society groups exist to attack government. Instead, he said, they are partners in implementing reforms and strengthening institutions.
“Civil societies are not attacking organizations like others may think,” he said. “Some people fail to realize the value CSOs bring by engaging with government institutions and partnering to implement their programs.”
He praised the media as an indispensable ally in advancing transparency and public awareness.
FOI as a Constitutional Right
Miamen reminded officials that access to information is guaranteed under Article 6 of the 1986 Constitution and reinforced by international human rights instruments.
“Without information, we cannot be in prime positions to do the kinds of things we do,” he said, adding that transparency from government, civil society and the private sector is critical to improving service delivery and tackling corruption.
IIC Pushes Proactive Disclosure
IIC Executive Director Lorpu P. Page echoed the call for openness, stressing that FOI compliance requires more than responding to requests.
“It requires proactive disclosure, proper record keeping, efficient information management systems, and above all, the willingness to engage the public in an open and transparent manner,” Page said.
She urged agency leaders to embed transparency in their daily operations.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Acting Information Minister Johnny Tarkpah reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to citizens’ right to know, citing both constitutional and international guarantees.
“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,” he said.
Tarkpah pressed ministries, agencies and commissions to comply with the FOI Act by appointing public information officers and establishing internal review bodies. He also urged lawmakers to pass the long-pending Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill, calling it key to safeguarding trust and strengthening democratic governance.
Sweden’s Role
The initiative was supported by the Swedish government, which has been a steady backer of governance and accountability programs in Liberia. Miamen thanked Sweden for its continued role in pushing reforms that enhance transparency and build citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
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