Civil society pushes for full Implementation of Gambia’s Access to Information Act

Opening the session, Anne Therese Sarjo, Programme Assistant at Gambia Participates, welcomed participants and described the roundtable as a platform for honest and constructive engagement. She said the discussion focused on advocating for the effective implementation of the ATI Act, identifying legal, institutional and operational barriers, and reviewing laws and practices that hinder press freedom.

Ms Sarjo noted that the outcomes of the dialogue are expected to inform advocacy efforts and support reforms that promote openness and good governance. She then invited a representative to deliver the opening statement on behalf of the Executive Director, who was unable to attend due to an emergency.

Delivering the remarks, Agi Mam Jagne, Communications Assistant at Gambia Participates, described the engagement as timely, coming at a critical stage in The Gambia’s democratic journey. She emphasised that transparency, accountability and access to information are not abstract ideals but fundamental rights that build public trust and improve governance.

Ms Jagne stressed the central role of a free, professional and protected media in connecting citizens with public institutions. She highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Gambia Participates, including capacity-building for journalists and civil society organisations, radio campaigns, community engagements across all seven regions, and the development of a website for the Information Commission.

According to her, these efforts have helped citizens and stakeholders better understand how to request information, comply with the ATI Act and responsibly use public data to promote accountability. She acknowledged, however, that challenges remain in fully implementing the Act and addressing laws that restrict media freedom.

“This roundtable comes at the right time to openly examine obstacles, review existing legal frameworks and identify realistic reforms,” she said, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to clear commitments, defined responsibilities and timelines for follow-up action.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Emil Touray, Commissioner at the Access to Information Commission, welcomed the partnership with Gambia Participates, describing the roundtable as historic. He noted that it marked the fourth time the Commission had partnered with civil society to build the capacity of information officers, calling it “the beginning of a new beginning.”

Mr Touray emphasised that access to information is a powerful tool for strengthening democracy, holding public offices accountable and bringing government closer to the people. He also underlined its role in countering misinformation and disinformation, noting that proactive disclosure by public institutions makes it harder for false narratives to thrive.

He urged public bodies and civil society organisations to work collectively to promote access to information, stressing that transparency contributes to stability and creates an enabling environment for investment. Commending Gambia Participates for initiating the partnership, he encouraged other civil society groups to follow suit.