By: Fatou Krubally
The Information Commission has announced the launch of a nationwide baseline survey to assess how prepared public institutions are to implement the Access to Information Act.
The survey, which will be conducted by the Center for Policy Research and Development (CRPD), is intended to gauge the current state of readiness among Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and other public bodies. The findings will help shape targeted support for institutions to meet their legal obligations under the Act.
According to the Commission, the assessment will play a vital role in guiding the development of institutional strategies that support the proactive disclosure of public information. It is also expected to inform efforts to strengthen records management and archiving practices across government institutions.
“The outcomes of this survey will allow the Commission to identify specific capacity gaps within public bodies and provide tailored interventions to address them,” the Commission stated.
As part of the process, all MDAs and relevant public institutions are being urged to fully cooperate with CRPD by providing accurate data and necessary information to support the exercise.
The Commission emphasized that the Access to Information Act requires all public institutions to organize and maintain their records in a manner that ensures public access, as mandated by law. Effective implementation, it said, will promote transparency, accountability, and strengthen public trust in governance.
The Commission noted that collaboration was key to ensuring the success of the survey and achieving the wider goals of the Access to Information Act.
“By working together, we can build a culture of openness and ensure that institutions are empowered to fulfil their mandates,” the Commission added.
