Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone has concluded the national validation of the Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill, 2025, a piece of legislation officials hail as transformative for the nation’s digital and governance landscape.
The announcement was made by Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civil Education, who stated that the bill concluded its final national validation on Thursday.
Minister Bah described the bill as “one of the most forward-looking and transformative pieces of legislation in Sierra Leone’s recent history.” He emphasized that the drafting process was inclusive, involving input from Parliament, local councils, security agencies, the Electoral Commission (ECSL), civil society, media, academia, and the private sector.
The legislation is expected to bring sweeping changes to how personal data is handled across key sectors. It will mandate stricter data protection protocols for banks, mobile network operators, and government agencies, holding them accountable for the use of citizens’ financial, digital, and personal records, including tax and health information.
For the first time, Sierra Leone will establish a single, independent authority responsible for both data protection and access to information. This is designed to give citizens stronger rights to control their personal data while strengthening their right to know.
The bill also sets boundaries for journalists and citizens on sharing personal information, aims to align Sierra Leone with international data standards for trade, and will regulate how intelligence agencies use information, balancing national security with the right to privacy.
Minister Bah framed the bill as part of President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to create a more open, secure, and digitally ready nation. He thanked development partners, including Irish Aid and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for their support.
The bill will now be submitted to the Cabinet for approval before being presented to Parliament for enactment into law.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
