Part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and promote adherence to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Law of Liberia, the Independent Information Commission (IIC) has conducted separate awareness, records management, and compliance training sessions for three key government institutions.
The Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE), the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW), and the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) were direct beneficiaries of the Commission’s latest FOI capacity-building initiative. Each training session was aimed at deepening institutional understanding of the FOI Law, strengthening internal records management systems, and promoting proactive disclosure of public information.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Bureau of State Enterprises, which has been instrumental in collaborating with the IIC to ensure full implementation of the FOI Law. The BSE, under the leadership of Acting Director General Varlee F. Sanor, hosted a comprehensive training session for its staff and management, showcasing its continued commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
During the session, Acting Director General Sanor reaffirmed the BSE’s unwavering support to the IIC and pledged his institution’s dedication to complying fully with the FOI Law. He emphasized that the BSE recognizes the law as a vital tool in promoting government accountability and has already taken steps to establish a robust FOI response team. This team, he stated, will be responsible for handling public information requests promptly and in line with statutory obligations.
Mr. Sanor added that the training was timely and essential, as it empowered his compliance and records management staff with the necessary knowledge to improve information storage and accessibility systems. He said the BSE is committed to playing its part in strengthening public access to information and enhancing public trust in government institutions.
Prior to the BSE training, on Monday, July 20, the IIC also led a separate session at the Ministry of Public Works. That engagement, attended by senior management and technical staff, featured detailed presentations on the legal framework of the FOI Law and the responsibilities of public institutions. Deputy Minister for Administration, A. Samukai Dunnoh, welcomed the IIC team and highlighted the Ministry’s interest in enhancing outreach, particularly to rural communities.
Last week Thursday, the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) benefited from the IIC training initiative, marking the first in a series of three separate trainings conducted as part of the Commission’s core responsibility.
Throughout the sessions across the three institutions, participants received presentations on FOI awareness, legal compliance requirements, and modern records management practices. The interactive format enabled officials to ask questions, identify institutional gaps, and propose practical solutions for strengthening information access and storage.
In total, approximately 200 government employees benefited from the trainings. Many participants expressed appreciation to the IIC, describing the initiative as both timely and impactful. They also pledged their individual and institutional commitment to uphold the principles of transparency and open government.
It can be recalled that the IIC recently concluded a separate two-day FOI training involving 20 government ministries, agencies, and commissions, bringing together over 100 senior officials and departmental heads to promote a culture of access to information across the public sector.
The IIC remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that all public institutions respect and implement the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 2010, thereby empowering citizens and strengthening democratic governance.
