Issue
The Government of The Gambia enacted the Access to Information (ATI) Act in 2021 as a step toward enhancing accountability and good governance; however, its implementation has faced significant delays.
How we are helping
This project aims to promote press freedom, improve public access to information, support the enforcement of the ATI Act, advocate for media reforms, and strengthen protections for journalists.
About the project
In The Gambia, renewed commitment to creating an enabling environment for free speech and transparent governance is evident through the government’s enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) Act in 2021. In support of this step towards enhanced accountability, project partner, Gambia Participates, will collaborate with key stakeholders to advocate for the full implementation of the ATI act and revision of associated laws that restrict press freedom.
This will be achieved by:
- raising public awareness of ATI Act through radio broadcasts, strategically placed information billboards and community engagement activities
- training media professionals and civil society representatives on advocacy strategies related to access to information and foster collaboration between them to advocate for greater government transparency
- organising meetings with parliamentarians to advocate for the revision of laws that restrict freedom of expression and press freedom
- convening meetings with the Ministry of Information and Ministry of Justice, parliamentarians, media representatives, and civil society organisations to advocate for the full implementation of the ATI Act.
Gambia Participates will collaborate with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Justice, National Assembly, Access to Information Commission, The Gambia Press Union, Factcheck Centre Gambia, and the Centre for Research and Policy Development.
As a result of this project, it is hoped that communities will benefit from improved access to information and that stronger protections for journalists enable greater press freedom in support of more transparent governance.
Project Partners
Gambia Participates is a registered pro-bono civil society organisation that strengthens anti-corruption in the public sector through research and advocacy, fiscal transparency, elections, transitional justice and rural community development. The organisation uses digital and youth friendly approaches to gather and disseminate public information that is not easily available. Gambia Participates advocates for the judicious usage of public funds, promotes good governance and works to constrain public sector corruption.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
