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Independent Information Commission- IIC, Monrovia (2026)

18/09/2026

FROM REPORTED RESULTS TO VERIFIED RESULTS!

The Independent Information Commission (IIC) is pleased to be among the Government institutions that have completed the Independent Verification Exercise under the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS).

The exercise provides an important opportunity to assess reported performance against available evidence, promote accountability, and strengthen the credibility of Government performance reporting.

Through this process, the IIC reaffirms its commitment to transparency, institutional accountability, and effective public service delivery.

17/09/2026

IIC AND PARTNERS COMMEMORATE 16 YEARS OF LIBERIA’S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Monrovia, Liberia | September 17, 2026
The Independent Information Commission (IIC), in partnership with the Ministry of Information, CEMESP, the Press Union of Liberia, CENTAL, and Internews Liberia, on Wednesday commemorated the 16th Anniversary of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act of 2010 under the theme:

“Promoting Access, Strengthening Transparency and Advancing Accountability.”

Held at the Charles Gbenyon Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, the commemoration brought together government officials, Public Information Officers (PIOs), Internal Information Request Review Bodies (IIRRBs), civil society organizations, media practitioners, development partners and other stakeholders.

The anniversary also featured a one-day PIO and IIRRB capacity-building and compliance training involving representatives from 20 public institutions, with discussions focused on strengthening the practical implementation of Liberia’s FOI law.

In his welcome remarks, Hon. Johnny Tarkpah, Acting Minister of Information, underscored the importance of access to information in building an open, transparent and accountable society and highlighted the critical role of PIOs and IIRRBs in making the right to information accessible to citizens.

Hon. Lorpu P. Page, Executive Director of the IIC, emphasized that the 16th anniversary was more than a commemoration, but an opportunity to reflect on Liberia’s progress, continuing gaps and the work required to make the FOI Act effective in practice. She highlighted the IIC’s work in institutional compliance, PIO and IIRRB strengthening, records management, training, public awareness, complaints and appeals.
Partner organizations also used the occasion to call for stronger implementation of the FOI Act.

Mr. Malcolm W. Joseph of CEMESP described access to information as fundamental to democracy and urged PIOs to serve as facilitators between citizens and government rather than gatekeepers.

Mr. Anderson Miamen of CENTAL called for stronger institutional support, enforcement, public awareness and collaboration to close the gap between Liberia’s legal framework and implementation.

Mr. Samuka V. Konneh of Internews Liberia highlighted challenges journalists face in obtaining public information and emphasized the importance of distinguishing the statutory role of PIOs from public relations functions.

Mr. Julius Kullie Kanubah, President of the Press Union of Liberia, emphasized that the right to information belongs to every Liberian—not only journalists—and called for sustained public education, institutional strengthening and protection for users of the law.

Mr. Varney Kamara of LFIC stressed that having a law on the books is not enough, emphasizing the need for strong institutional leadership, political commitment, proactive disclosure and effective PIOs.

Delivering the IIC’s special press statement, Hon. Joash T. Hodges, Information Commissioner, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening FOI compliance and enforcement.
Commissioner Hodges highlighted the IIC’s 18 FOI complaints, institutional compliance initiatives, PIO and IIRRB institutionalization, public awareness efforts and the Commission’s 2026 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey.

He called on public institutions to appoint PIOs, establish functional IIRRBs, strengthen records management, comply with statutory response periods, proactively disclose public information and fulfill their reporting obligations.
“Compliance with the FOI Act is not a burden imposed by the IIC. It is an obligation owed to the people.”

The technical sessions further strengthened participants’ understanding of the law.
Jutomue Doetein, Acting Outreach Director, provided an overview of the legal foundation, principles, public rights, scope, institutional mandate and statutory exemptions under the FOI framework.

Blessing G. Saygar, PIO/IIC, addressed the roles and responsibilities of PIOs and IIRRBs, including the processing of FOI requests, statutory timelines, internal review mechanisms, records management and communication with information seekers.

Armah Boimah Johnson, Acting Compliance Director, presented the IIC Guidelines and Procedures for the Handling and Determination of FOI Appeals, outlining procedures for filing, validating, serving, hearing and determining FOI appeals, as well as enforcement of Commission decisions and the right to judicial review.

The discussions reinforced a central message:
A RIGHT RECOGNIZED BY LAW MUST ALSO BE A RIGHT PEOPLE CAN EXERCISE IN PRACTICE.

Sixteen years after the passage of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act, the IIC and its partners remain committed to strengthening a culture of access, transparency, accountability and responsible public information management across Liberia.

🇱🇷 NOW, LET THE RIGHT BE USED.

To the citizens of Liberia: You have a legal right to seek information held by public institutions.

Ask questions. Request information. Know your rights. Follow up. And where your lawful request is denied, delayed or unanswered, use the review and appeal mechanisms available under the FOI framework.

To Public Information Officers: Your role is not simply to receive requests—it is to facilitate lawful access, provide timely responses, protect legitimate exemptions and help citizens exercise their right to know.

To Ministries, Agencies and Commissions: Appoint functional PIOs and IIRRBs. Maintain accessible records. Proactively disclose information. Respect statutory timelines. Make transparency part of everyday government.

To journalists, civil society organizations and community leaders: Use the FOI Act as a tool for public-interest reporting, civic participation, monitoring public services and strengthening accountability.

To every Liberian:
If public funds are being spent, ask how.
If a public project is being implemented, ask what it costs.

If a public decision affects your community, ask why.
If information belongs to the public, know how to request it.
DON’T JUST KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT — USE IT.

From awareness to use.

From compliance on paper to compliance in practice.

From centralized access to nationwide access.

From a right on paper to a right in practice.

🇱🇷 Happy 16th Anniversary to Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act!

15/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

IIC Commemorates 16th Anniversary of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act

Monrovia, Liberia — September 15, 2026: The Independent Information Commission (IIC) will on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, commemorate the 16th Anniversary of the Passage of Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act with a targeted training and knowledge-sharing engagement at the Ministry of Information, Charles Gbanyon Conference Room.

The program is designed primarily for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and members of Internal Information Request Review Bodies (IIRRBs) from Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs).

The engagement will focus on strengthening institutional capacity to effectively implement the FOI Act, with discussions covering the roles and responsibilities of PIOs and IIRRBs, processing of information requests, response timelines, proactive disclosure, records management, internal review procedures, and institutional compliance obligations.

The program will also provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on progress made over the past 16 years, identify implementation challenges, and discuss practical measures for improving access to information across public institutions.

The Commission recognizes that effective implementation requires functional FOI structures within public institutions and continued coordination among government institutions, civil society, the media, development partners, and other stakeholders.

The anniversary engagement is therefore intended not only to mark the passage of the FOI Act, but also to reinforce the institutional mechanisms necessary to make the right to information accessible and effective for citizens.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Venue: Ministry of Information, Charles Gbanyon Conference Room
Targeted Participants: PIOs, IIRRB Members, and designated representatives of Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs)

The IIC remains committed to promoting a culture of access to information, transparency, accountability, and good governance through stronger institutional compliance and effective implementation of Liberia’s FOI framework.

Promoting Access. Strengthening Transparency. Advancing Accountability.

08/09/2026

IIC & CENTAL ADVANCE FOI COMPLIANCE, INTEGRITY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS AT LIBERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE (LIS)

Monrovia, Liberia — September 8, 2026 — The Independent Information Commission (IIC), working in partnership with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has engaged departmental and sectional heads of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) in a one-day capacity-building session focused on Freedom of Information, compliance, integrity building and anti-corruption.

The training was aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of transparency, accountability, access to information, institutional compliance, integrity and ethical public service.

The program featured a series of presentations designed to provide participants with practical knowledge of the FOI Law, institutional compliance requirements, integrity building and the fight against corruption.

The program opened with an Overview of Freedom of Information (FOI) Awareness, Compliance, Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption, delivered by Hon. Lorpu P. Page, Executive Director of the IIC, who highlighted the importance of awareness, compliance, integrity and accountability in promoting responsible public service.

Following this presentation, Mr. Jutomue Doetein, Acting Director of the Outreach and Sensitization Department, provided an Overview of the Mandate of the IIC, Scope of the Law, Rights of the Public and Statutory Exemptions, giving LIS participants a clearer understanding of the Commission’s mandate and the public’s right to access information under the law.

Building on the discussion, Mr. Armah B. Johnson, Acting Compliance Director of the Compliance Department, addressed LIS Compliance Obligations under the FOI Act, focusing on the responsibilities of the Liberia Immigration Service to ensure compliance with the provisions and requirements of the FOI Law.

Meanwhile, bringing the training to its anti-corruption component, Mr. Siafia Kamara, Facilitator from CENTAL, led a session on Understanding Anti-Corruption Manifestations, Stakeholders’ Roles, Challenges and the Way Forward. The session provided participants with an opportunity to examine the different forms of corruption, the role of stakeholders in addressing it, and practical ways to strengthen integrity and accountability.

The presentations collectively reinforced the importance of access to information, institutional compliance, integrity and collective action against corruption as essential pillars of transparent and accountable governance.

The engagement further demonstrates the commitment of the IIC and CENTAL to strengthening institutional capacity and promoting a culture of openness, integrity and accountability across Liberia’s public sector, while supporting LIS in understanding and fulfilling its responsibilities under the FOI framework.

03/09/2026

IIC AND CENTAL PROMOTE FOI, INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AT LWSC

Monrovia, Liberia — September 2, 2026 — The Independent Information Commission (IIC), in collaboration with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), through the IIC Compliance Department, conducted a one-day Freedom of Information (FOI) Awareness, Compliance, Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption Training for departmental and sectional heads of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC).

The engagement focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of Liberia’s FOI framework, LWSC’s compliance obligations, transparency, accountability, institutional integrity and the role of stakeholders in preventing and combating corruption.

The Executive Director of the IIC, Hon. Lorpu Page, opened the engagement by emphasizing that FOI promotes transparency, accountability, public participation and good governance. She urged public institutions to strengthen FOI compliance mechanisms and ensure that Public Information Officers respond to requests in a timely, professional and lawful manner. She further noted that transparency strengthens institutional integrity, prevents misconduct, promotes accountability and builds public confidence.

Building on this foundation, Acting Outreach Director Jutomue Doetein provided an overview of Liberia’s FOI legal framework, highlighting Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981) and Article 15(c) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which affirm the right to receive information and to be informed about government and its functionaries. He noted that Liberia ratified the African Charter on August 4, 1982, and strengthened these protections through the Freedom of Information Act of 2010.

Mr. Doetein also explained that Sections 1.6 and 1.4(a) establish FOI coverage concerning public resources and functions and recognize public bodies as custodians of information held for the public good. As a public authority, LWSC is subject to the FOI framework for information it generates, receives, uses, possesses or controls, except where lawfully exempt, including trade secrets under Section 4.4 and personal information under Section 4.5.

Moving from the legal framework to institutional responsibility, Acting Compliance Director Mr. Armah B. Johnson outlined LWSC’s obligations, including functional Public Information Officers, proper records management, timely processing of requests, clear communication and proactive disclosure where appropriate. He emphasized that any denial or limitation of access must be legally justified and that FOI compliance is an ongoing institutional responsibility.

The discussion further addressed transparency and the fight against corruption. CENTAL Facilitator Mr. Siafa Kamara highlighted anti-corruption manifestations, the roles of public institutions, civil society, the media, citizens and oversight bodies, as well as challenges including limited awareness, weak institutional mechanisms, inadequate accountability systems and enforcement gaps. He called for stronger integrity systems, public awareness, institutional accountability and stakeholder collaboration, while encouraging ethical conduct, transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption.

The engagement forms part of the IIC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen FOI awareness, compliance, integrity, transparency and accountability across Liberia’s public sector. In collaboration with its partners, the Commission remains committed to supporting public institutions, including LWSC, in implementing the FOI Act and promoting openness, integrity, accountability and responsible information management.

02/09/2026

INDEPENDENT INFORMATION COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IIC, CENTAL Strengthen FOI Compliance, Transparency and Anti-Corruption Efforts at LACE

September 1, 2026 | Monrovia, Liberia
The Independent Information Commission (IIC), in partnership with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), is continuing its efforts to strengthen compliance with Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act through engagements with public institutions across the country.

As part of this effort, the IIC and CENTAL on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, held a one-day Awareness, Compliance, Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption Training for departmental and sectional heads of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE).

The training brought together LACE officials to discuss access to information, FOI responsibilities, transparency, accountability, integrity, and the role of public institutions in preventing and fighting corruption.

The training is part of the IIC’s ongoing efforts to help public institutions understand and meet their responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act. It also seeks to improve the way institutions receive and respond to requests for information, maintain records, share information with the public, and promote accountability.

Speaking at the training, Hon. Lorpu P. Page, Executive Director of the IIC, stressed the importance of Freedom of Information in promoting open and accountable government.

Hon. Page said access to information gives citizens the opportunity to obtain information held by public institutions and helps them take part in public affairs and hold public officials accountable.

She highlighted the role of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and stressed the need for proper records management and clear systems for receiving, processing, tracking, and responding to FOI requests.

Hon. Page also emphasized the importance of integrity in public service, noting that honesty, professionalism, accountability, ethical leadership, and responsible decision-making help build public confidence in government institutions.

She further noted that transparency and access to information can help prevent corruption, promote proper use of public resources, and encourage citizens to report concerns and demand accountability.

Armah Boimah Johnson, Acting Compliance Director of the IIC, provided participants with an overview of the Commission’s mandate, the Freedom of Information Act, citizens’ right to information, and the exemptions provided under the law.

Johnson also explained LACE’s responsibilities under the Act, including putting in place procedures for handling information requests, keeping proper records, assigning responsible personnel, and providing timely responses to information requests.

He stressed that FOI compliance is not only about responding to requests. He said public institutions must also have proper internal systems for managing information, maintaining records, sharing information proactively, and ensuring accountability.

The anti-corruption session was facilitated by Mr. Siafia Kamara of CENTAL, who discussed the different forms and effects of corruption, the role of stakeholders, challenges facing institutions, and ways to strengthen accountability.

Mr. Kamara said corruption can weaken public institutions, affect service delivery, misuse public resources, and reduce public trust.

He emphasized that fighting corruption requires the combined efforts of government institutions, civil society, the media, citizens, and other stakeholders.

Participants also discussed challenges such as weak institutional systems, limited accountability, and low public awareness. They identified the need for stronger internal controls, public education, better reporting systems, integrity, and cooperation among stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of LACE, a representative of the agency reaffirmed LACE’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public awareness.

The representative stressed that public resources must be managed openly and responsibly and that information about the use of public resources should be made available to citizens in line with the law.

He commended the IIC for its continued efforts to promote FOI compliance and public awareness and encouraged the Commission to continue its engagements with public institutions across Liberia.

The representative also encouraged public institutions to do more to inform citizens about their activities, programs, decisions, and the use of public resources.

The LACE training is part of a wider series of FOI compliance and awareness engagements being carried out by the IIC.

In recent days, the Commission has conducted similar engagements with the National Identification Registry (NIR) and the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS).

The engagements are aimed at helping public institutions understand their FOI responsibilities, improve their systems for handling information requests, strengthen records management, and promote transparency and accountability.

As part of this continuing effort, the IIC is scheduled to hold another institutional engagement with the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The LWSC engagement will further help the institution understand its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act and strengthen its systems for providing information to the public.

The IIC says these engagements are important to ensuring that public institutions understand that access to information is not only a legal requirement but also an important part of open and accountable government.

The Commission remains committed to working with public institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders to promote the right of access to information and strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity in Liberia.

The IIC encourages public institutions to establish effective FOI systems, designate responsible personnel, maintain proper records, respond to information requests on time, and make information of public interest available to citizens.

The Commission believes that effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act will help strengthen democratic governance, improve public service delivery, promote responsible use of public resources, prevent corruption, and build public trust.

The engagement ended with a shared commitment by the IIC, CENTAL, and LACE to promote openness, accountability, integrity, and responsible governance.

Access to information empowers citizens. Transparency strengthens accountability. Integrity builds public trust. Together, they strengthen democratic governance.

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT INFORMATION COMMISSION

The Independent Information Commission (IIC) is Liberia’s statutory institution responsible for promoting, protecting, and enforcing the public’s right of access to information under the Freedom of Information Act of 2010.

The Commission works with public institutions and other stakeholders through compliance monitoring, public awareness, institutional engagement, capacity building, and enforcement of FOI obligations to promote transparency, accountability, openness, and public participation in Liberia.

MEDIA CONTACT

Independent Information Commission (IIC)
Monrovia, Liberia

Email :
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Phone : 0770204591 / 0880974385

01/09/2026

The Independent Information Commission (IIC) has successfully completed its 2026 Institutional Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS) Mid-Term Assessment Review.

A four-member team appointed by the Cabinet Secretariat met with the IIC PMCS Focal Persons to conduct an evidence-based review of the Commission’s progress across its institutional performance targets.

Key achievements presented during the review included:

* Development and distribution of Compliance Circulars and appointment forms for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Internal Review Bodies (IRBs) to 51 Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs), supported by two media engagements, as well as the development of a structured PIO/IRB Training Manual.

* Conduct of FOI baseline/Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) activities and public-awareness initiatives in two counties, supported by media engagement and 50 IEC materials.

* Conduct of two stakeholder consultations to strengthen Liberia’s FOI legal framework.

* Commencement of the design and development of the FOI digital request, tracking and reporting system, with technical personnel engaged and development ongoing at Mid-Term.

* Acknowledgement of all 17 FOI complaints received during the reporting period within the Service Delivery Charter timeline, with hearings and investigations ongoing.

* Development of an institutional Resource Mobilization Strategy, with two funding proposals prepared and submitted during Q2.

* Development, review and finalization of Human Resource, Procurement and Finance Policies, with three institutional policies rolled out during Q2.

* Completion of a Capacity Needs Assessment for 18 staff and development and approval of a Capacity Building Plan. Staff also received PMS and professional-development training in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Leadership and Presentation Skills. Individual performance plans were developed, and the Mid-Year Performance Review was undertaken.

These achievements demonstrate continued progress toward the Commission’s 2026 targets in strategic plan implementation, service delivery, resource mobilization, systems efficiency, institutional capacity building and managerial performance.

Building on its strong performance during the previous PMCS cycle, the IIC remains committed to sustaining and improving its performance under the leadership of Information Commissioner, Hon. Joash T. Hodges, and Executive Director, Hon. Lorpu P. Page, while advancing access to information, transparency and accountability in Liberia.
Office of the Cabinet - Republic of Liberia

25/08/2026

The Independent Information Commission (IIC), in collaboration with the Liberia Institute for Geographical Information Services (LIGIS), has concluded a one-day FOI Awareness Training, aimed at strengthening their understanding of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the role of Public Information Officers (PIOs), and the institution’s responsibility to provide information that the public has a legitimate right to access.

The engagement provided an important opportunity to remind staff that access to information is not simply an institutional obligation—it is a fundamental component of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

During the interactive session, the Acting Outreach Director, Jutomue Doetien, provided a clear and practical explanation of information that the public can access and the exemptions provided under the FOI Act. Staff were guided on the importance of distinguishing between information that should be made available to the public and information that is legally protected from disclosure.

During the discussion, Acting Compliance Director, Armah Boimah Johnson, focused on the role and functions of Public Information Officers (PIOs), including receiving and coordinating information requests, facilitating timely responses, assisting members of the public, and promoting proper records management.

A key part of the discussion was the difference between a Public Information Officer (PIO) and a Public Relations Officer (PRO). While both positions play important roles within an institution, their mandates are different. A PIO is primarily responsible for facilitating access to information in accordance with the FOI Act, while a PRO focuses largely on institutional communication, public relations, visibility, and image-building.

The Acting Compliance Director, Armah Boimah Johnson, further emphasized an important principle: being appointed to serve within an institution comes with a responsibility to serve the institution’s mandate—not to shield personal information of a supervisor, boss, or institution from legitimate public scrutiny.

The engagement was therefore more than a training—it was an opportunity for reflection, practical learning, and institutional strengthening.

21/08/2026

As Liberia continues to embrace digital transformation, the IIC recognizes the importance of strategic partnerships that place access to information, accountability, innovation, and citizen-centered governance at the heart of national development.

Pictorial of the IIC Staff and WARDIP SOP2 Team in a planning meeting.

13/08/2026

Strong leadership is reflected not only in words, but in commitment, vision, and service.

Commissioner Togar Joash T. Hodges continues to provide purposeful leadership in advancing the mandate of the Independent Information Commission and promoting the public’s right to know.

Independent Information Commission- IIC

18/09/2026

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