By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward strengthening digital rights and safeguarding personal information with the launch of nationwide consultations on its first-ever data protection legislation.

The consultations, unveiled at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, focus on the draft Right to Access Information and Data Protection Regulatory Commission Bill. The process is being driven by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education together with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, with funding and technical support from Irish Aid through UNDP.

According to officials, the bill is modeled on global best practices, drawing from the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the African Union’s Malabo Convention. Once passed, it will position Sierra Leone among countries with modern frameworks for digital security, while boosting investor confidence and international cooperation.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, described the legislation as “a pioneering reform that places Sierra Leone at the forefront of data governance in West Africa.” He said it will not only ensure stronger privacy protections for citizens but also address key gaps in intelligence sharing and economic development.

Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, underlined the importance of protecting vulnerable groups from the dangers of data exploitation. She pledged her Ministry’s technical support for rolling out the new regulatory system.

The opening event brought together representatives from Government agencies, Civil Society, international partners, including UNDP, SLAJ, RAIC, CHRDI and the NCRA. Over two days, stakeholders reviewed the draft provisions and discussed implementation strategies.

Officials confirmed that consultations will now be extended across all regions of the country to ensure broad-based input before the bill proceeds to its final validation stage.

Observers say the process marks a historic milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation, setting the foundation for a safer more transparent and accountable information ecosystem. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/government-kicks-off-public-consultations-on-sierra-leones-first-data-protection-bill/