Press Release
CEMESP Launches FOI Demand and Supply Compliance Monitoring Report Monrovia 26th June 2013: The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding, (CEMESP) has launched a research report on Freedom of Information Demand and Supply Compliance in Liberia on Wednesday 26th 2013. The launch took place at the ILab Open Government Afternoon in Monrovia.. This publication is a component of the National Endowment for Democracy, (NED) funded project that has unearthed a dismal level of denial to disclose information in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in Liberia. CEMESP Executive Director Malcolm Joseph has observed: “the fact that over ninety FOI requests that were deployed could not elicit ten disclosures of requested information or responses, indicates that custodians of information are violating the law with impunity,” something he notes that “has legal consequences.” He says the report’s findings is therefore a wakeup call for all stakeholders, government, media, donors and , CSOs to intensify efforts in ensuring that access to information becomes an obligation that the FOI law 2010 has sanctioned in building the culture of transparency and accountability that impacts on development outcomes. At the launch on Wednesday June 26th the Deputy Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Norris Tweah, presented Liberia’s Open Government Partnership Action Plan- a document awaiting cabinet approval. . CEMESP Program Officer Albert Baron Ansu l presented the research report at the Open Government Afternoon. Other aspects of this NED funded project that has culminated to this research publication launch included the earlier training of community radio journalists, local authorities and Civil Society Organizations in Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, River Cess and Grand Bassa counties. There was also the subsequent engagement with the appointed Information and Public Relations Officers on the use of request tracking template that CEMESP had designed as a potential working tool that will ease disclosure of information in ministries, department and agencies. CEMESP collaborated with ILab to have this research report launched in Open Government Afternoon, as exercise in building synergy with partners committed to deepening the good governance profile of Liberia. ILab is creating the platform for discussion on how information Communication and Technology can help citizens government interact better. Signed: ___________________________________ Malcolm W. Joseph Executive Director Malcolm W. Joseph Executive Director, Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) Fofana Building Benson St.; Off Lynch Street Adjacent former Defense Ministry AnnexP O Box. 3480; Monrovia, Liberia Mobile: +231(0)6-514-357 Email. malcolmjoseph2000@yahoo.commalco...@cemesp-liberia.org Website: www.cemesp-liberia.org
