On Friday 17th January 2025, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services opened validation workshop for Access to Information Law Implementation Plan.
Orgnaised by the Information Commission with support from Freedom House, the workshop brought together key players in government, the media and civil society as well as the ATI commissioners.
The end result of this event is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a consolidated implementation plan that can commence with immediate effect.
In his opening statement, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay said it is part of the Ministry’s priority goals of 2025 to implement the ATI Law, and ensure that it serves as a tool that will ensure the smooth implementation of the ATI Act.”
National Coordinator of Freedom House, Mr. Demba Kandeh posited that the role of civil society in this process is essential and that their involvement ensures that the implementation of the ATI Act is grounded in inclusivity, accountability and the real needs of the people.
The validation marks a key milestone in advancing transparency and inclusivity in The Gambia. It is also a reflection of government’s commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the Access to Information Act reaffirming its position that ATI is not a privilege but a fundamental human right.
Article by MOIMBS
