Every year on 28 September, the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The day is about more than just words on a calendar. It speaks to the right of every man, woman, and child to know the truth by having access to reliable, accurate information that shapes their daily decisions. Across the globe, and here in Sierra Leone, access to information is tied to dignity, empowerment, and democracy.

In Sierra Leone, the value of accurate information is felt most strongly at the grassroots level. For a farmer in Bombali, knowing the right weather forecast can mean the difference between a good harvest and a season of loss. For a family in Kambia, clear information about commodity prices helps them decide how to stretch their earnings to feed the family. For a student in Bo, the latest news about exam results can mean he or she understands how their future might unfold. These are not small matters. They are the daily realities of ordinary Sierra Leoneans, and they depend on trustworthy information.

When false stories spread, the consequences are immediate. A rumour about rice prices in Makeni can cause panic in the market. A misleading post on social media can stir up political tensions in Freetown. A fabricated health article can frighten families in Kenema. In each case, misinformation threatens stability and trust. That is why the right to truthful information is not just a global principle but a very real need in Sierra Leone’s towns and villages.

One initiative helping to close this gap is the iVerify platform, launched in April 2023 by UNDP and partners: the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Independent Radio Network (IRN), and BBC Media Action. Since its creation, the iVerify team has verified over 450 stories, including 40 during the 2023 general elections week. The platform doesn’t just publish online, it works hand-in-hand with radio and other social media platforms. With IRN broadcasting fact-checked stories across more than 40 stations, the truth is reaching Sierra Leoneans in places where social media may not. Millions of people now hear these broadcasts alongside media literacy programmes that teach listeners how to question what they hear and spot misinformation for themselves.

For Isatu Nana Komba, a 26-year-old communications professional from Wellington in the east of Freetown, iVerify has become part of her daily routine: “The platform keeps me credibly informed, and I now rely on it as my most reliable source for accurate information. On more than one occasion, I have even reached out directly to iVerify to clarify information I first heard elsewhere. iVerify is not just another news outlet, it is a trusted partner in staying informed.” Others, especially young people, also rely heavily on iVerify and often share examples of how they use the platform to separate facts from falsehoods.