By Kumba Leigh
The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has partnered with Wave Gambia Ltd, a local FinTech mobile money transfer operator, to launch a nationwide campaign against misinformation and disinformation.
. In his keynote address at the launch of the event at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo,
Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, said the campaign came about as a result of the emergence of new actors and changes in the methods and tactics used to proliferate confusion and promote false narratives online. He said social media and other digital platforms have provided fertile ground for the spread of such content, enabling malicious actors to reach large audiences and sow confusion and discord.
Given these challenges, he went on, “it is crucial that policymakers, legislators, and people in all walks of life are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to address artificially-generated disinformation and misinformation”.
The Minister said Government, cognisant of this fact, has taken proactive actions to combat the menace including enacting the Access to Information law in August 2021.
He said the appointment of Information Commissioners demonstrates Government’s commitment to implementing the law and readiness to open up to public scrutiny, and ensure that no citizen is prevented from accessing information held by government agencies and other public entities.
He also mentioned the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill, and the Cyber-security Bill, which are being enacted.
Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, Chairperson, Access to Information Commission, said the consequences of both misinformation and disinformation are profound and could be detrimental to various aspects of society. She said some of the harmful effects incorporate divisions in the society, instability, confusion, distortion in public discourse, and can even endanger lives.
“The 2023 Global Risks Report identified misinformation and disinformation as potential accelerant to the erosion of social cohesion with the potential to destabilize trust in information and political processes,”
She said Government passing of the ATI Bill - a fundamental principle of democracy – demonstrated political willingness for open governance and a significant stride to the promotion of transparency and accountability.
For Sainabou Sarr, General Manager of Wave Gambia, posited that misinformation and disinformation are growing phenomena that have challenged the credibility of public discourse and impact the attractiveness of private investment.
She said this nationwide campaign offers a tremendous opportunity to improve the dissemination of fact-based information and knowledge for companies; especially, those who are committed to advancing financial inclusion.
Gambia Press Union Vice President, Sheriff Saidykhan said the initiative could not have come at a better time, when Gambia is moving closer to the next election cycle.
The GPU president described the campaign as an empowering initiative that will enable citizens and residents of The Gambia distinguish between facts that represent a true picture, and what is propaganda that is intended to mislead the public.
He said The Gambia Press Union recognises the need to tackle the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation; hence taking proactive move in the form of capacity building for journalists.
