By Sainabou Sambou
Honourable Lamin Queen Jammeh, the Minister of Information has assured that the Barrow Government’s aim remains to create an enable environment that foster responsible journalism whilst safeguarding the principle of press freedom. He was speaking Saturday night, 16th December 2023 at the 8th National Journalism Award ceremony organized by the Gambia Press Union (GPU). The Award honours and celebrates courage and excellence in Gambian journalism across all types of news and information media – print, online/multimedia platforms, radio, television and photography. The theme for this year is, ‘Breaking from the past: Safeguarding the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression.
Further in his address, Minister Jammeh noted that the Barrow administration, through the Ministry of Information has an unwavering commitment towards promoting and safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression together as a united front. He extended his heartfelt commendation to the Gambia Press Union for organising the prestigious National Journalism Awards, and hailed the collaboration that exists between the Union and the Ministry. Such concerted effort, he noted, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of the Access to Information law. “Through such collaboration, we can address challenges, share insights and collectively work towards a more transparent and accountable society,” he added.
The Information Minister recognized that that there exist laws that may be hindered to access to information and press freedom. He however assured that government is committed to undertaking the necessary reforms.
The President of the Gambia Press Union, Muhammad M S Bah, said this year’s event holds particular significance as it coincides with the commemoration of the late Deyda Hydara’s tragic assassination 19 years ago. “Mr. Hydara dedicated his life to speaking truth to power and advocating for a just society, embodying the values we hold dear in journalism,” he asserted.
He acknowledged the progress made in press freedom and freedom of expression over the years, and commended the government for the gains made, including the enactment of the Access to Information Law in 2021.
“It is heartening to note the collaborative efforts between the government through the Ministry of Information, the Gambia Press Union, and the Civil Society to ensure the law’s full implementation through the establishment of an Information Commission in early 2024. This development stems from the recommendations of the Key Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum initiated by the Ministry of Information” he stated.
The President went on to commend the National Assembly for its open-door policy and close collaboration with the media, as well as the Ministry of Information, and called for a replication of such collaboration across all public sectors, in order to foster transparency and accountability.
“ I express our commitment to securing a piece of land from the government for the construction of the Gambia Press Complex. After more than 40 years of existence, the Gambia Press Union is still struggling to get a land of its own to build a Press Complex that will house the GPU Secretariat, the Media Council of The Gambia, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication, GPU affiliates, and a home to more than 600 members of the Union,” he stated.
In her address, Isatou Keita, Vice President of the Gambia Press Union said journalists play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the country. “Without journalism, the world would be engulfed in ignorance, devoid of the crucial information needed for individuals to lead informed lives,” she stated.
Said the Gambia Press Union, alongside its dedicated partners, has been at the forefront of empowering journalists, nurturing their skills, and fostering a culture of excellence.
Ms Keita called on her fellow journalists to not rest on their laurels, as they play their vital role as the watchdogs of society. “We are more than writers, editors, and news anchors; we are guardians of free speech and champions of societal progress”.
She went on: “Let us strive not only to maintain the high standards set by our predecessors but to surpass them. Through continuous improvement and dedication to our craft, we can rightfully claim our place in society and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development”.
The awards night was graced by senior government officials, veteran journalists, politicians and international organizations.
