By Mahzouba Maya Faal
In a step towards enhancing government transparency and accountability, the Chairperson and members of The Gambia’s Access to Information (ATI) Commission were officially sworn in on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the State House in Banjul.
The ceremony, presided over by His Excellency the Vice President of The Gambia, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on behalf of President Adama Barrow, underscores the administration’s commitment to open governance.
In his address, Vice President Jallow praised the enactment of the Access to Information Act as a watershed moment in The Gambia’s political evolution. He emphasised that the law aims to empower citizens, allowing them to hold government accountable while participating more meaningfully in the democratic process.
“This is a clear testimony of the government’s resolve, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, to become more open, accessible, and transparent in its dealings with the public,” the Vice President stated. He reassured the Commission of the government’s full support, both in resources and institutional backing, to ensure the ATI Act is effectively implemented.
Mrs. Neneh Macdouall Gaye, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Commission, pointed out that access to information is “owned by everyone.” She noted that this vital right extends beyond the media, emphasising its importance for all Gambians, from farmers in rural communities to market vendors in urban centres. “Access to information is not just for the press; it is for the farmer and market vendor in CRR or URR. It is for everyone,” Mrs. Macdouall-Gaye empahsised.
She acknowledged the political will of the government and thanked the Ministry of Information and The Gambia Press Union for their continued support.
The formation of the ATI Commission is expected to be pivotal in The Gambia’s ongoing democratic reforms. The Commission will play a crucial role in ensuring that public institutions remain transparent and accountable while safeguarding citizens’ right to information.
The swearing-in of the Commission marks a decisive moment in the country’s history, setting a high bar for government accountability, and signalling that The Gambia is committed to fostering a participatory democracy where information is a right, not a privilege.
The ATI Commission, formed under the Access to Information Act of 2021, is tasked with promoting public access to government-held information, a fundamental right in any democracy. The appointments reflect The Gambia’s drive towards increased openness, particularly in a region where access to public information has often been limited.
The newly appointed members of the ATI Commission are:
1. Mrs. Neneh Macdouall-Gaye – Chairperson
2. Ya Amie Touray – Member
3. Mr. John Charles Njie – Member
4. Mr. Babucarr Cham – Member
5. Mr. Bai Emil Touray – Member
