01/09/2026
LACE Departmental and Sectional Heads Receive Training on Freedom of Information, Integrity and Anti-Corruption
On September 1, 2026 Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) has benefited from a one-day awareness and compliance training focused on Freedom of Information, Integrity Building, and Anti-Corruption.
The training was conducted at LACE offices in Monrovia by the Independent Information Commission (IIC) in collaboration with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL). The session brought together departmental and sectional heads of LACE as part of efforts to strengthen institutional compliance, promote transparency, enhance integrity, and increase awareness of Liberia’s Freedom of Information legal framework.
The training focused on three major thematic areas designed to enhance participants’ understanding of transparency, accountability, access to public information, and the collective responsibility of public institutions in combating corruption.
The first presentation provided an overview of Freedom of Information, awareness and compliance, integrity building, and anti-corruption. The session emphasized the importance of creating an institutional culture where transparency, ethical conduct, accountability, and public access to information are integrated into the day-to-day operations of government institutions.
The second topic focused on an overview of the mandate of the Independent Information Commission, the scope of the Freedom of Information Law, the rights of the public, statutory exemptions, and LACE’s compliance obligations under the Freedom of Information Act. Participants were introduced to the responsibilities of public institutions in responding to legitimate requests for information while also understanding information that may be exempted under the law.
The third presentation addressed understanding manifestations of corruption, stakeholders’ roles, challenges, and the way forward. The discussion highlighted some of the ways corruption can manifest within institutions and society, while stressing the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, citizens, and other stakeholders in preventing and addressing corruption.
The presentations were delivered by Mrs. Lorpu Page, Executive Director of the Independent Information Commission; Mr. Armah B. Johnson, Acting Director of the IIC; and Mr. Siafa Kamara, Facilitator from CENTAL.
Representing LACE at the training was Mr. Jefferson S. Turker, Deputy Executive Director for Administration (DEDA), who participated in the concluding session and emphasized the importance of making public information accessible to citizens.
He underscored the importance of the Freedom of Information Act in strengthening the relationship between government institutions and the public.
Mr. Turker noted that the Freedom of Information Act is intended to serve the public, stressing that information that is legally meant for public consumption should be made available to citizens.
He explained that greater openness and information sharing would enable citizens to better understand government programs, policies, activities, and achievements.
According to him, when government institutions proactively share information with the public, it reduces uncertainty and helps the government explain its interventions and development gains more effectively.
For her part, Mrs. Lorpu Page, Executive Director of the Independent Information Commission, said the training was important in helping LACE staff understand the respective roles and responsibilities of the IIC and CENTAL in promoting transparency and accountability.
Mrs. Page explained that while both institutions work toward strengthening good governance, their mandates and areas of intervention are distinct.
She noted that CENTAL focuses primarily on combating corruption, promoting transparency and accountability; while the Independent Information Commission is responsible for explaining and enforcing the laws and principles governing access to information under Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act.
The training provided participants with an opportunity to ask questions, clarify institutional obligations, and gain a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with handling public information.
The initiative is expected to contribute to strengthening LACE’s internal compliance mechanisms and promoting a culture of transparency, integrity, accountability, and responsible information management across the Agency.
The engagement also demonstrates the importance of continued collaboration between public institutions, the Independent Information Commission, and civil society organizations in ensuring that citizens are adequately informed and empowered to exercise their right to access public information.
Through such awareness and capacity-building initiatives, LACE continues to reinforce its commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity, and effective public service delivery in keeping with the broader governance objectives of the Government of Liberia.
