By Amadou Manjang
The Chairperson of the Gambia Information Commission, Neneh MacDouall-Gaye, has described the Access to Information (ATI) Act as one of the most powerful tools in tackling misinformation and malinformation in today’s information age.
She made these remarks during a training session for journalists on Transparent Governance through Press Freedom and Public Access to Information, organized by Gambia Participates and funded by The Commonwealth.
Mrs. MacDouall-Gaye said access to information is a fundamental human right that promotes good governance, enhances accountability, and supports economic development.
“In the era of misinformation, the Access to Information Act is the most powerful tool to tackle issues of misinformation and malinformation,” she said. “Access to information is a human right for all, and it promotes effective and efficient governance while tackling corruption and fostering development.”
She stressed that implementing the ATI Act requires collaboration between the government, media, and other stakeholders. She revealed that six institutions have so far appointed information officers, adding that the Commission is working closely with the Ministry of Information and the Information Services Department to ensure that all public institutions designate officers responsible for information management.
“Hopefully, within two months, all public offices will have designated information officers and deputy information officers,” she said.
Speaking on the challenges, Mrs. MacDouall-Gaye cited a lack of public awareness about the Act and limited funding to conduct nationwide sensitization campaigns. She also emphasized the need for regulations to guide the full implementation of the Act.
“We have drafted the regulation, and it has been validated,” she said. “The document is now at the Ministry of Justice for review.”
She disclosed that the Commission has received 15 complaints since its establishment, reflecting growing public interest in exercising the right to information.
Meanwhile, the Founder and Executive Director of Gambia Participates, Marr Nyang, said the organization identified a gap in access to information and decided to organize the training to empower journalists to better understand and utilize the law.
“Journalists need to be able to access information that cannot be withheld by public officials. But they must also know how to go about it,” he said.
The training brought together journalists from various media outlets to strengthen their understanding of transparency, accountability, and access to information as essential pillars of democratic governance.
