The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has imposed a fine of Le70,000 on the Freetown City Council (FCC), led by Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, for failing to comply with provisions of the Right to Access Information Act, 2013.
The penalty follows a complaint filed by Ms. Eleanor Thompson of Citizens Barray, who alleged that the Council ignored her formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding the use and management of the recreation field at Ephraim J. Robinson Municipal School in Congo Town, Freetown.
According to the Commission, Ms. Thompson submitted her request on May 30, 2025, seeking access to documents including lease agreements, memoranda of understanding, and committee meeting minutes involving the facility. These documents reportedly relate to the involvement of Hon. Alfred Thompson or any other party connected to the use, construction, or rental of the field.
When no response was received from the Council, Ms. Thompson escalated the matter to the RAIC on July 28, 2025, requesting a formal review as provided under Section 43 of the Act. The Commission then wrote to the Freetown City Council on August 11, 2025, granting a seven-day deadline for compliance — but the Council failed to respond.
After reviewing the case, the Commission ruled that the FCC had breached the Act, particularly Section 4, which obligates public authorities to respond to information requests within the prescribed timeframe and to promote proactive disclosure.
In its final decision, the RAIC ordered the Council to release the requested information to Ms. Thompson and to copy the Commission within seven days. It also imposed the Le70,000 fine for non-compliance, while reminding the Council of its right to appeal under Section 46 of the Act.
The ruling, signed by Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner, along with the four regional Commissioners, was adopted during an emergency Commission meeting held on October 13, 2025.
In a statement, the RAIC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and openness in governance, emphasizing that access to information is a fundamental right and a key pillar for public trust and democratic participation.
