Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s Ministry of Information has officially rebranded, now bearing the name Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, following approval from President Adama Barrow. This change underscores an expanded mandate that includes broader responsibilities in media and broadcasting, alongside the Ministry’s established role in public information dissemination.

In an official statement, the Ministry expressed confidence that this rebranding will enhance its alignment with national priorities and adapt to the evolving media landscape. The Ministry also confirmed that the name change has been formally gazetted by the Ministry of Justice, thanking the public for their support as it transitions into this new phase.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, who also heads the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MoCDE), initiated a familiarization tour to key institutions central to The Gambia’s digital transformation efforts. His tour commenced at Gamtel House in Banjul, with subsequent visits to Gamcel’s offices at Kairaba Avenue and Abuko.

During the tour, Minister Ceesay highlighted the importance of modernization and reform within Gamtel and Gamcel, two institutions integral to The Gambia’s journey towards a robust digital economy. “The President has a clear vision for the sector,” he remarked to journalists. “As ministers, it is our duty to implement that vision. Gamtel and Gamcel play important roles in this sector, and our goal is to ensure that they are equipped to drive the country’s digital transformation.”

Minister Ceesay stressed the necessity of adapting these longstanding institutions—Gamtel, founded in 1984, and Gamcel in 2001—to the demands of the digital era. His tour aimed not only to assess current infrastructure but also to engage directly with staff to better understand the operational challenges and realities they face. “It is important to meet the staff, engage with them, and understand the realities on the ground,” he said. “We want to modernize these institutions, making them commercially viable and service-oriented, so they can continue to serve the people of The Gambia effectively.”

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernization, Minister Ceesay noted that reforming Gamtel and Gamcel would be essential to ensuring that The Gambia remains competitive in a rapidly advancing digital economy. The tour, he explained, represents the first step in a series of broader engagements by the Ministry aimed at revitalizing critical institutions under its jurisdiction, in line with the government’s digital economy agenda.