Open Records Laws › Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

The Right to Access Information Act

The Right to Access Information Act, 2013

RTI Rating: 122 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
15 days
Extension
15 days
Residency Required
None

15 working days from receipt of request. Extension of up to 15 additional working days permitted for complex requests or large volumes. Failure to respond within deadline constitutes deemed refusal for appeal purposes.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written request via mail or in person', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Email submission accepted', 'method': 'email'}
  • {'notes': 'Fax submission accepted', 'method': 'fax'}
  • {'notes': 'Oral requests if written submission causes hardship', 'method': 'oral'}

Requests should be submitted to the relevant public authority. No requirement to state reasons or use official forms. Officials must assist with vague or unclear requests.

Required Elements

  • Sufficient detail to identify the information requested
  • Preferred method of access (inspection, copy, etc.)

Fees

No fees to file requests. First 20 pages provided free. Additional pages charged at reasonable cost for reproduction and delivery. Fee waivers available for impecunious requesters and public interest disclosures.

Fee Waivers

  • Waivers available for requesters unable to pay
  • Waivers for disclosures in public interest
  • Waivers for personal information requests

Exemptions

  • National security and defence
    Information affecting national security or defence
  • International relations
    Information affecting international relations
  • Economic interests
    Information affecting economic interests of Sierra Leone
  • Law enforcement
    Investigations and law enforcement operations
  • Third party information
    Information provided by third parties in confidence
  • Legal privilege
    Client professional privilege and legal advice
  • Personal matters
    Personal information and privacy
  • Commercial confidential
    Commercially confidential information
  • Traditional rites
    Information about traditional rites or customary usages

All exemptions subject to harm test. Public interest override applies: information must be disclosed if public interest outweighs harm. Burden of proof on public authority to justify denial. RTI Rating critique: overly broad confidentiality and privilege exceptions, lacks trump clause over conflicting secrecy legislation.

Appeal Process

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Independent Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) established with strong enforcement powers. Internal review optional; can proceed directly to RAIC. Commission can order release, impose fines (documented NLe 80,000 fine in 2023), and award costs. Chairperson plus four provincial representatives appointed by President with parliamentary approval.

Sources & References