By Zainab Jobarteh
The Hon. Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, who also oversees the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MoCDE), has embarked on a familiarisation tour of key institutions under the ministry, which began at Gamtel House in Banjul, followed by visits to Gamcel offices on Kairaba Avenue and at Abuko. The purpose of the tour is to gather firsthand information on the operations, infrastructure, and challenges faced by these institutions, which are critical stakeholders in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, the Hon. Minister underscored the importance of modernising these institutions to align with President Barrow’s vision of transforming The Gambia into a digital economy. “The President has a clear vision for the sector,” he said, “and as ministers, it is our duty to implement that vision. Gamtel and Gamcel play important roles in this sector, and our goal is to ensure that they are equipped to drive the country’s digital transformation.” Minister Ceesay highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms within Gamtel and Gamcel, noting that both institutions were established in the 1980s and must now adapt to the demands of a new digital age.
The minister emphasised that his visit was not only to assess the infrastructure but also to engage with staff members to better understand their realities and challenges. “It is important to meet the staff, engage with them, and understand the realities on the ground. We want to modernise these institutions, making them commercially viable and service-oriented, so they can continue to serve the people of The Gambia effectively,’’ he said. He reiterated that the reform of Gamtel and Gamcel would be central to The Gambia’s efforts to harness the benefits of digitalisation. He expressed the government’s commitment to supporting these institutions in their journey towards modernisation, ensuring they remain competitive in the digital economy while delivering quality services to The Gambian population. The tour marks the first step in a broader engagement by the Ministry to assess and revitalise key institutions under its purview as part of the government’s ambitious digital economy agenda.
