Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, the Gambia) – In a concerted effort to enhance the implementation of Access to Information (ATI) laws, the Gambia Press Union (GPU), in collaboration with the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), organized a one-day engagement with 25 permanent secretaries from various ministries. The event aims to expose these high-ranking officials to best practices in public information management that facilitate easy access to information.

The primary objectives of the engagement were to familiarize the permanent secretaries with effective public information management practices and to share successful ATI law implementation plans from other countries. The discussions also covered topics such as good document management practices for government institutions, encompassing both traditional paper record systems and electronic record management systems.

Participants were introduced to institutional ATI implementation plans, supported by case studies from countries with established ATI/FOI (Freedom of Information) laws. By the end of the session, the permanent secretaries were expected to have gained valuable insights into effective public information management practices, thereby improving access to information in The Gambia.

In his opening remarks, Muhammed S.Bah, President of the Gambia Press Union, emphasized the significance of the engagement. He noted that this initiative was crucial for transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of democracy in The Gambia. Bah highlighted the challenges faced during the former regime, where access to information was severely limited, and the positive shift in public interest in ATI following the change in 2016.

“As we enter the implementation phase of this critical legislation, the role of the permanent secretaries becomes indispensable,” Bah stated. “You are the key administrators, decision-makers, and enforcers within the public sector, and your engagement is vital to ensure the effective application of the ATI Act.”

Bah also pointed out that Section 6 of the ATI law mandates every public institution to create, organize, and maintain information systematically to facilitate easy access. He urged the participants to ensure that the right to information becomes a living reality, empowering citizens, enhancing democracy, and holding public institutions accountable.

Amie Njie, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information, speaking on behalf of the Minister, reinforced the importance of the ATI Law in entrenching democratic values through universal access to information. She mentioned that an 18-month moratorium was enforced to establish the necessary implementation structures, including the ATI Commission. With the expiry of this moratorium and the appointment of ATI Commissioners, sensitizing all stakeholders on the ATI becomes critical.

“As key administrators, decision/policy makers, and enforcers of government policies, you will play a key role in the application and implementation of the ATI Law,” Njie emphasized.

She expressed gratitude to the GPU for their efforts in raising awareness about the ATI Act 2021 since its enactment and assured the Ministry’s support and collaboration to achieve universal access to information.