The training featured key figures from the Information Commission, including Chairperson Madam Nenneh Macdouall Gaye and Commissioner John Charles Njie, who underscored the pivotal role of CSOs in leveraging the Access to Information Act.
Madam Gaye emphasised the importance of citizen participation and the transformative power of information in combating corruption and misinformation.
“You cannot have good governance without freedom of expression. You cannot have good governance without access to information,” she stated, highlighting the essential link between transparency and democratic accountability. She commended CSOs for their instrumental role in advocating for the Access to Information Act, acknowledging their dedication and impact.
The programme included a series of engaging discussions and practical workshops designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Information Act. Attendees were guided on how to apply the law effectively and engage constructively with the Information Commission.
Mariama Mendy, a participant from Safe Space for Girls, expressed her hope to gain a stronger grasp of press freedom and its role in holding power to account. She also pledged to share the knowledge gained with her colleagues, ensuring the training’s impact would ripple beyond those in attendance.
The initiative serves as a catalyst for empowering citizens and civil society actors to actively shape a more transparent and accountable society, one where access to information is recognised as a cornerstone of good governance.
