ILRAJ Seeks Full Disclosure on Government Printing Department Modernisation Deal
By Staff Writer
The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has formally requested detailed information from the Government of Sierra Leone regarding the recently announced modernisation of the Government Printing Department (GPD) and its joint venture arrangement with Diming Yimo Printing Company.
In a letter submitted pursuant to the Right to Access Information Act, 2013, ILRAJ said it was seeking clarity on the legal, financial, and governance framework underpinning the project, which aims to transform the Government Printing Department into a modern industrial printing facility equipped with digitised and securitised printing capabilities.
According to ILRAJ, while the initiative has the potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s industrial and technological capacity, the scope of the arrangement, including foreign participation, revenue-sharing provisions, and expanded operational responsibilities, raises significant questions relating to transparency, accountability, statutory authority, electoral integrity, and fair competition.
The organisation stated that before submitting its formal request, its researchers conducted preliminary inquiries with both the Law Officers’ Department and the Government Printing Department in an effort to identify the legal instruments governing the institution and authorising the partnership. However, ILRAJ noted that it was unable to obtain any such documentation.
“That failure of disclosure itself raises a governance concern that reinforces the necessity of this request,” the organisation stated.
Among the information requested, ILRAJ is seeking copies of any statute, statutory instrument, or legal framework establishing the Government Printing Department in its current form and authorising the joint venture arrangement with Diming Yimo Printing Company.
The organisation also wants clarification on whether the GPD currently operates under a modern statutory framework capable of supporting its expanded mandate and, if not, the legal basis upon which it presently functions.
ILRAJ has further requested a full and unredacted copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and any related agreements, contracts, or concession arrangements signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and Diming Yimo Printing Company.
Particular attention is being placed on the reported 70-30 revenue-sharing arrangement. The organisation is seeking details on how the percentages were determined, which party receives the larger share, and the duration of the agreement.
The legal advocacy group also wants disclosure on whether the partnership was awarded through a competitive procurement process. If no tender was conducted, it is requesting the legal justification for any direct award.
In addition, ILRAJ is seeking information on any tax concessions, customs duty waivers, fiscal incentives, guarantees, or indemnities connected to the arrangement, as well as confirmation as to whether the agreement was submitted to Parliament for approval or ratification.
The request also seeks information about the Government Printing Department’s current and proposed pricing structure for government agencies, private businesses, and members of the public.
ILRAJ further wants details on policies governing the allocation of printing services, particularly how printing capacity will be balanced between mandatory government functions and commercial services offered to private clients.
As part of its inquiry, the organisation has requested details regarding the governance structure of the Government Printing Department, including the composition, appointment process, and terms of reference of any board, management committee, or oversight body responsible for supervising its operations.
The organisation is also seeking information on audit mechanisms, parliamentary reporting obligations, and procedures available for members of the public to lodge complaints or raise concerns regarding the Department’s activities.
Citing Section 4(1) of the Right to Access Information Act, 2013, ILRAJ has requested that the Ministry provide the requested information within fifteen working days of receiving the letter.
The organisation further stated that where any information is withheld, the Ministry should clearly identify the legal exemption being relied upon and explain why withholding the information serves the public interest.
ILRAJ concluded by expressing confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and civic education, noting that these principles are fundamental to democratic governance and form part of the Ministry’s own mandate.
The request is expected to generate significant public interest as questions continue to emerge over the legal and financial framework governing one of the government’s most ambitious printing and digitalisation initiatives in recent years
