By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has announced that the proposal to register journalists will be removed from the draft media regulations following concerns raised by key stakeholders.
Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay confirmed the government’s decision to withdraw the provision, signaling a willingness to respond to feedback from the media community. “The issue of registration of journalists, we are removing it,” he said.
The minister highlighted ongoing consultations between his ministry and the Gambia Press Union (GPU), stressing that collaboration remains central to the reform process. He noted that both institutions are interdependent in advancing media development in the country. “GPU cannot succeed without the ministry, and we cannot succeed without them,” he stated.
Dr. Ceesay acknowledged that differences have emerged between the government and the GPU but described such disagreements as a natural part of reform efforts, particularly in evolving areas like social media and online content regulation. “Reforms are always difficult, particularly reforms in new terrain like social media and online content. It’s always difficult; you don’t expect it to be easy,” he said.
Addressing criticism of the draft regulations, the minister suggested that some concerns stem from misunderstandings of the document. “Many people did not take their time to read the regulation; had they done it, they would understand that this regulation supports press freedom in this country,” he added.
He maintained that the draft regulations remain open to further review and adjustment, noting that while certain provisions may be revised or removed, others will be retained to address critical issues such as inclusion and the protection of children from harmful content.
“You cannot tell me to throw out the whole regulation. Should I back off on inclusion? Should I back off on the protection of children from harmful content? The things that you feel are problematic, we can compromise on that,” he said.
Echoing the government’s position on media freedom, the minister maintained that the current environment remains open and will continue to be so under his leadership. “As it is right now, the media is free, and it will continue being free under my watch as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
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