By Fatou Sillah
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, said in an interview with Teledal TV that the government has no intention of suppressing press freedom or making conditions difficult for journalists and media organizations.
His remarks come amid public debate over a proposed regulatory framework that could introduce registration and licensing requirements for journalists and social media users.
Dr. Ceesay emphasized that the government views the media as a partner in national development and democratic governance.
“This government has no intention whatsoever to muzzle the press or to suppress press freedom in this country,” he said. “We have no intention whatsoever to make life difficult for any journalist or for any media house; we see the media as a critical partner in consolidating our democracy.”
He noted that press freedom remains one of the government’s key achievements in its engagements with both citizens and international partners, arguing that it should be safeguarded rather than weakened.
“Today, when Gambians go out, and the president goes out to speak about our major achievements, press freedom is what we boast about. How can we now come and destroy that for ourselves? We have no reason to do so,” he said.
Dr. Ceesay said the government’s objective is to promote a media environment that is “fair, equitable, professional, and ethical,” while also ensuring protections for journalists, media institutions, and the public.
“All we want is a fair, equitable, professional, ethical media ecosystem where all operators, the citizens, the journalists, and the media houses are protected, and their interests are promoted,” He Said.
He added that while there may be differing views on how best to achieve such regulation, dialogue remains the preferred path forward.
“How we do that we can disagree, but through discussions and dialogue we are able to find a common ground and pass regulations that fit the purpose of what we intend to do,” he said.
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