IIC Raises Alarm Over CSA Non-Disclosure Agreement, Says Policy Undermines FOI and Whistleblower Protections

Monrovia, Liberia: The Independent Information Commission (IIC) has strongly criticized the Civil Service Agency (CSA) for requiring employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement that allegedly prohibits them from releasing information about the institution, warning that the policy could violate Liberia's Freedom of Information (FOI) Law, the National Code of Conduct, and whistleblower protection provisions.

By: Emmanuel P. George Sr.

Speaking Friday, June 19, on a local radio talk show in Monrovia, the IIC's Compliance Director, Armah Boimah Johnson, described the agreement as a troubling departure from Liberia's transparency and accountability standards, arguing that it creates what he termed a separate information regime outside the framework established by law.

Johnson said the agreement reportedly compels CSA employees to refrain from disclosing any information relating to the agency, a requirement he believes conflicts with existing legal instruments that govern access to public information and the conduct of public servants.

"The law already provides guidance on what information can be protected and what information should be made available to the public," Johnson noted, adding that government institutions should not establish rules that effectively override national legislation.

According to him, the non-disclosure agreement could have a chilling effect on employees who may wish to report corruption, abuse of office, waste, or other forms of misconduct within the public sector.

He warned that such restrictions could discourage potential whistleblowers from coming forward, thereby weakening efforts to promote transparency and integrity in government.

Johnson further argued that the policy appears inconsistent with the spirit of Liberia's whistleblower protections, which are intended to safeguard individuals who disclose wrongdoing in good faith and in the public interest.

He emphasized that while certain categories of information may legitimately be classified as confidential under the law, public institutions must balance those protections with the public's right to access information and the need to ensure accountability in government operations

The IIC official urged the Civil Service Agency to reconsider the requirement and instead encourage employees to adhere to the National Code of Conduct and the Freedom of Information Law, both of which clearly outline the responsibilities of public officials regarding the handling of sensitive information.

He maintained that these legal frameworks already provide adequate safeguards for confidential government records while protecting the rights of citizens to obtain information from public institutions and ensuring that employees are not punished for exposing wrongdoing through lawful channels.

The comments by the IIC come amid growing national discussions about transparency, accountability, and the role of public institutions in upholding Liberia's access-to-information laws.

As of Friday, the Civil Service Agency had not publicly responded to Johnson's remarks or addressed concerns surrounding the reported non-disclosure agreement.

The Independent Information Commission serves as Liberia's principal oversight body for the implementation and enforcement of the Freedom of Information Law, including ensuring compliance by public institutions with the country's transparency and disclosure requirements.