By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has rejected criticism of the ministry’s proposed media framework, asserting that the measures are intended to professionalize journalism, safeguard the public interest, and reinforce democratic governance.
Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay described the proposed regulations and press accreditation framework as “innovative, forward-looking, and progressive,” adding that they represent a significant step in strengthening governance in the country.
“This regulation and the press accreditation framework as proposed by the Ministry of Information Media and Broadcasting Services is one of the most innovative, forward-looking, and progressive pieces of governance instruments the country has seen for a very, very long time. It will help promote our democracy, it will help professionalize the media but also it will help protect the public interest and the dignity of every Gambian,” he said.
The minister clarified that the press accreditation framework remains voluntary and is still under consultation with key stakeholders, including the Gambia Press Union (GPU), the Media Council, and the Broadcasting Association. He added that the Online Content Broadcasting Regulation is currently being developed in collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and will undergo a comprehensive process before adoption.
Dr. Ceesay outlined the regulatory process, noting that it includes drafting by the relevant authority, public consultation and validation, legal review by the Ministry of Justice, and eventual Cabinet approval.
“The press accreditation framework is still with the GPU for them to get back to us. the Online Content Broadcasting Regulation is still a work in progress People need to understand that regulations have a lifecycle, the Minister instructs the regulator to come up with regulation, the regulator works on the regulation, it will be subject to public validation It will go to the Minister of Justice for legal advice and Cabinet for approval that is the lifecycle of the regulation,” he said.
Addressing public concerns, the minister acknowledged that some criticisms have been raised but emphasized that meaningful engagement will take place during the formal consultation stage.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised they are taken on board but we cannot act on them now until there is a public consultation and validation period then people can come with their concerns and we can discuss them,” He Said.
Dr. Ceesay further stressed that the framework is designed to promote a professional media environment, enhance journalists’ safety, and support democratic values.
He dismissed what he described as politically motivated criticism, stating that the government remains focused on engaging constructive voices within the media sector.
“Those who are politically conflicted, activists and politicians trying to go after anything the government is doing whether good or bad, we do not listen to them, we listen to genuine voices journalists and media practitioners who promote national interest,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the minister maintained that the initiative is not intended to restrict press freedom but rather to support and protect journalists.
“Our intention is not and never will be to suppress journalists from doing their work or to take us back to the dark ages. The purpose of these governance instruments is to protect journalists themselves, professionalize them, and protect the public interest,” he added.
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