The one-day engagement, at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, armed permanent secretaries with good knowledge on effective and efficient public information management practices that facilitates easy access to information.
The engagement also discussed issues related to Good Document Management Practices for Government Institutions, such as Traditional Paper Record Management Systems and Electronic Record Management Systems.
The participants were also introduced to Institutional ATI Implementation Plans with case studies of implementation plans from specific institutions in countries with ATI/FOI laws.
Gambia Press Union President Muhammed S. Bah underscored the significance of the engagement, saying information management is pivotal in the nation's history. He underscored the permanent secretaries’ and other stakeholders’ collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of our democracy.
Mr Bah further spoke on the significant limitations on access to information in the country and the denial of the citizens' right to know which was the case during the former regime and how the wind of change in 2016 had surged public interest in ATI.
As the nation enters the implementation phase of the critical legislation, the role of the permanent secretaries becomes indispensable, the GPU president emphasised: “You are the key administrators, decision-makers, and enforcers within the public sector, and your engagement is vital to ensure the effective application of the ATI Act.”
Mr Bah reminds all that Section 6 of the ATI law mandates every public institution to create, organize, and maintain information in a manner that facilitates easy access, which means producing information on all activities, arranging it systematically, and preserving it in good condition to ensure its safety and integrity.
“Let us ensure that the right to information is not just a legal right on paper but a living, breathing reality that empowers our citizens, enhances our democracy, and holds our public institutions accountable,” he implored, appealing to them to move forward with a shared commitment to transparency and accountability for the benefit of all Gambians.
On behalf of the Information Minister, the permanent secretary, Amie Njie, said the ATI Law seeks to entrench democratic values through universal access to information. “Thus, to ensure the effective implementation of the ACT, an eighteen (18) months moratorium was enforced to establish the prerequisite implementation structures, including the establishment of the ATI Commission, the custodian of the ATI Act,” she said.
She added that as the legislation enters its implementation phase following the expiry of the 18-month moratorium and the appointment of the ATI Commissioners as the final stage, it is critical to sensitise all stakeholders on the ATI.
“As you may be aware, as key administrators, decision/policy makers and enforcers of government policies, you will play a key role in the application and implementation of the ATI law,” she enjoined the PS fraternity in the country.
Madam Njie commended the GPU on behalf of the Information Ministry for their invaluable efforts in raising awareness on the ATI Act 2021. She also assured of the Ministry's support and collaboration in the quest to achieve universal access to information.
