By Zainab Jobarteh
The Hon. Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay recently participated in the global conference commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) held in Accra, Ghana. Organised by UNESCO in partnership with the Government of Ghana, this year’s event focused on the theme “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”
The conference brought together Information Ministers from across Africa, Information Commissioners, and global experts in the field of access to information. The discussion centred on the significance of access to information in promoting good governance and democracy. They also highlighted the various challenges faced by African nations in providing access to information and explored solutions to address the issues.
During a high-level panel discussion on Advancing Access to Information in Government Institutions and the Role of Civil Society, the Hon. Minister shared The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and improve public access to information. He spoke about the importance of the regular press conferences his ministry organises, which serves as a direct platform for government officials to engage with the media and the public.
“Through these conferences,” he said, “the government can address pressing national issues and provide clear information to counter misinformation”.
The Hon. Minister also emphasised the role of social media as a critical tool for reaching a broader audience and promoting open discourse.
Additionally, he spoke about the ‘Mansa Kunda’ initiative, a biweekly dialogue that brings sector ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of government departments face-to-face with the public.
‘‘This initiative has been crucial in fostering transparency and building trust between the government and the people of The Gambia,’’ he said.
While highlighting these initiatives, the Hon. Minister also acknowledged the challenges the country might face in advancing access to information. He mentioned the need for continuous capacity building within government institutions to ensure they are fully equipped to manage and disseminate information effectively. He also pointed out that there are deep-rooted institutional and cultural barriers, noting that changing the mindset around information sharing, both within the government and among citizens, remains a significant hurdle.
Further in his remarks, the Hon. Minister stressed the critical role access to information plays in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in reducing inequality and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions. He explained that access to information empowers citizens, builds their confidence in government institutions, and is vital for ensuring accountability and enabling citizen participation in the decision-making process.
Minister Ceeaay was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Amie Njie and Director of Department of Information Services, Isatou Davies Ann.
