Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Information Minister
By Ramatoulie Jawo
In an interview with Peter Gomez, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information and Media Broadcasting Services, highlighted the government’s need to bring order and accountability to the way media operates in The Gambia.
Dr. Ceesay pointed out that the president had been addressing concerns about certain online media outlets, which he believes focus primarily on tarnishing the country’s image by publishing only negative news. He emphasized that the president’s message was not intended to divide the nation or criticize the media, but rather to encourage a more balanced approach.
“And you cannot tell me that all is doom and gloom in this country, there are some positive things. There are challenges, clearly, but there are also achievements that we think the media should be able to promote the country. That was the point the president was trying to raise and not in any way trying to divide the country or to attack the media,” he said.
Ismaila further asserted that the president has no such intentions, emphasizing that this government is the most accountable and transparent since independence, a fact that cannot be disputed.
He highlighted that the president is dedicated to building a lasting legacy, not undermining it. According to Ismaila, the president’s message underscores the media’s critical responsibility.
He added that this is why the government remains committed to transparency, continually launching initiatives to keep the public well-informed about its actions.
“But when you report, be fair in your reporting. That is all he is asking for. Be fair in your reporting, yes, when things go wrong report it, but when we do good things you also report them. But there are some media clearly when you look at their line of reporting the trend is that all they report is negative nothing good when something is good even if you send it to them, they won’t report it. They will just put it aside. But if it is negative even if it is false they just pick it from the gutters they will report it,” he said.
He further remarked that some media outlets raise questions about whether they are truly independent or simply extensions of political parties.
He also pointed out that their next step would be to find ways to regulate online media.
“Because if you are in the business of broadcasting news to the people, you must be regulated. We cannot allow an anarchic system in the media. There must be ways to make sure that it is regulated just like they are competing with the radio station, TV and print. As a government we need to bring sanity into the way the media operates in this country,”he said.
He emphasized the need for standards in online media, pointing out that anyone can easily start a platform and publish unverified or misleading content. He stressed that this approach is not acceptable anywhere in the world.
He called for some form of regulation, stating that while they are not looking to censor anyone, it is essential that online media operate with professionalism in their reporting.
He further added that it is no longer acceptable for individuals to simply set up an online media outlet from their bedroom and use it to play politics.