MONROVIA – The Independent Information Commission (IIC), in collaboration with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, conducted a one-day capacity-building training aimed at strengthening compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and promoting integrity across major public institutions.
The training, held at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Conference Hall in Montserrado County, brought together departmental and sectional heads from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFFA), the National Port Authority (NPA), and the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA). The initiative was supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the management of LPRC.
The program focused on three core objectives: enhancing participants’ knowledge of the FOI Act of 2010, increasing awareness and understanding of corruption and its impact, and equipping public officials with practical tools to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public service delivery.
In setting the tone for the training, organizers referenced Article 15(c) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which declares: “In pursuance of this right, there shall be no limitation on the public right to be informed about the government and its functionaries.” The provision underscores the constitutional foundation for transparency and access to information in Liberia’s governance framework.
Armah B. Johnson, Acting Compliance Director at the IIC, delivered a presentation on compliance obligations under the FOI Act, emphasizing that public institutions are legally bound to proactively disclose information and respond to citizens’ requests within the timeframes established by law. He also engaged participants in a question-and-answer session to clarify practical challenges surrounding implementation.
Hon. Cllr. Prof. Finley Y. Karngar, Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, spoke on standards of conduct and behavior expected of public officials and government employees. He stressed that integrity in public service is not optional but a fundamental duty tied to public trust.
Hon. Matthew B. Kollie of the National Integrity System at the Governance Commission also addressed participants, highlighting the role of institutional frameworks in curbing corruption and reinforcing accountability mechanisms across government agencies.
Mr. Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of CENTAL, and Mr. Siaffa S. Kamara, a presenter from CENTAL, led sessions on understanding corruption, its various forms, and its socio-economic impact. They urged officials to adopt preventive measures and strengthen internal systems to deter malpractice.
The training concluded with closing remarks from representatives of NPA, LACRA, NaFFA, LPRC, CENTAL, and the IIC. The event was moderated by Mr. Samuel D. Taye, Assistant Manager for Training at LPRC.
Organizers expressed hope that the initiative would translate into improved compliance with the FOI Act and a stronger culture of transparency within participating institutions. The engagement marks another step in ongoing efforts to reinforce Liberia’s national integrity system and uphold the public’s constitutional right to information.
