By Fatoumata Joof
The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez and his Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, on Friday, 21st March 2025 received in audience the Chairperson of the Information Commission, Mrs. Nenneh MacDouall-Gaye, accompanied by members of the Commission, Mr. Emily Touray; and Mr. Baboucarr Cham.
The purpose of their visit was to familiarise themselves with the management of the Ministry as well as sensitise the Ministry on the role and mandate of the Information Commission as enshrined in the Access to Information Act 2021.
Minister Gomez welcomed and thanked the team for their timely visit to his office. He said the establishment of the commission justifies government’s resolute stand on transparency, accountability and good governance. He urged the commission to embark on a sensitisation tour to ensure that the public is guided on the process of requesting information from the public institutions.
The Minister noted that it is a conviction that if information is not shared in a timely manner, it grooms speculation which can create chaos.
He added that his Ministry has good existing relations with the media and values working closely with the media for timely and accurate dissemination of information to the general public.
The Chairperson of the Information Commission, Madam Nenneh MacDouall-Gaye briefly ran the Ministry’s officials through the genesis of the Access to Information Act, saying it was enacted in 2021, and the commission was established in 2024. She informed that the commission is currently working on the respective forms for requesting information which will be shared with relevant institutions.
Madam MacDouall-Gaye announced that the ATI Commission has already developed a sensitisation plan utilising radio, TV and Traditional Communicators across the country.
Commissioner Emily Touray briefly explained the implementation procedures of the Act and highlighted that proactive disclosure and sharing timely information can effectively reduce third party request.
He further explained that the ATI Commission is currently working with the Department of Information Services to develop a reporting template which will be shared once finalised.
Commissioner Touray also disclosed that the Central Policy Research Gambia (CPRG) has been recruited to conduct a baseline survey on the implementation of the Access to Information Act.
For his part, Commissioner Bubacarr Cham underscored the significance of proactive disclosure of information in addressing misinformation and disinformation. He emphasised the right to provide information to the public, and thanked MoHERST for continuing to provide timely information to the public.
