A journalism trainer, Thomas Volke, has said that a strong democracy thrives where there’s a free and vibrant press.

Mr. Volke, a trainer from the German organization KONRAD ADENAUR STIFTUNG (KAS), made this statement at the closing ceremony of a five day investigative journalism training for 20 Gambian journalists from the print and electronic media. 

“There cannot be a strong democracy without having strong and self-confident journalists,” Mr. Volke said.

He assured of KAS continued collaboration with the Gambia Press Union in training Gambian journalists.

The president of the Gambia Press Union, Sheriff Bojang jnr, described the trainees as a dynamic group and that the union looked forward to a brighter future for them.

“I said that during the training that, I don’t know any better time to conduct investigative journalism training than now. This is the period in consideration of the fact that the Gambia is open for business: and that means it’s also open for potential corruption when we have multinationals coming in with their people – the country is a hot cake (now),” he said.

He challenged the trainees to prove themselves that they have attended the training, adding that they were selected out of hundreds of journalists and that “to ensure that doors close are open”.

Mr. Bojang commended KAS for sponsoring the training programme and assured them that the trainees will put the knowledge gained into good practice.

Raymond Joseph, a South African journalist and trainer, tasked the trainees to impart the knowledge gained to their colleagues in the newsrooms.

“This is not the end –this is the beginning take it away with you to your newsrooms. Each one teaches one,” he urged the trainees.

The five day investigative training was held at the Senegambia Beach Hotel.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba