Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambian government is set to launch an artificial intelligence-powered misinformation and disinformation response centre, in what officials describe as the first initiative of its kind in West Africa, according to Dr. Ceesay.

The centre is designed to counter the growing spread of fake news and deepfake content, which Dr. Ceesay warned pose serious threats to public trust, national security, and social cohesion.

“Misinformation and disinformation have always existed, but now digital tools and AI make them faster, more intense, and more believable,” he said, pointing to recent deepfake videos circulating online, including manipulated clips falsely portraying ministers making statements they never issued.

According to Dr. Ceesay, the platform will monitor online content in real time, flag false or misleading information, and provide verified responses to the public. The system is being developed locally by Gambian experts with support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and will serve as a pilot project for possible expansion across the region.

He noted that while artificial intelligence has been used to amplify disinformation, it can also play a critical role in countering it.

“The biggest threat to our sovereignty today is misinformation. If we do not act, our society is at risk,” Dr. Ceesay warned, adding that the center will operate around the clock to provide timely clarifications on emerging false narratives.

Dr. Ceesay also underscored the importance of improving digital literacy among the public, saying many citizens are not yet equipped to identify deepfakes or manipulated content.

“This center will not only respond to fake content but also help people understand how to verify information themselves,” he said.

The facility, expected to be launched in March 2026, will be housed at the Ministry of Information and forms part of a broader government strategy to strengthen governance, transparency, and public confidence in official information.

Dr. Ceesay made the announcement during an appearance on the Coffee Time Show, where he outlined the government’s plans to combat misinformation and safeguard the country’s democracy in the digital age.