The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has called on the government to do more to protect press freedom, even as it celebrated progress in media-government relations.

Speaking on behalf of the union at the 2025 Presidential Media Dinner, GPU board member Alieu Ceesay described the dinner as an “important platform” for fostering dialogue between journalists and the government.

The event brought together senior government officials, ministers, media chiefs, and state correspondents at the State House in Banjul.

Ceesay highlighted the Access to Information Act, 2021 as a landmark achievement.

“This law, initiated by the GPU and passed by the National Assembly, represents a major step forward in transparency and accountability,” he said. The union also pointed to The Gambia’s press freedom rankings, which have remained stable globally at 58th and 11th in Africa, reflecting progress under the current democratic dispensation.

Despite these gains, Cesay warned of continuing challenges. Economic pressures such as high taxes and the lack of media subsidies, gaps in journalist safety, and restrictive laws, including the recently proposed Cybercrime Bill, 2023, threaten to undermine press freedom.

In a historic development, the government has allocated land to the GPU, paving the way for the creation of a National Press Bantaba. The facility will house the GPU Secretariat, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), GPU affiliates, and the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG).

Mr Cesay said the initiative would provide a permanent home for Gambian journalists and strengthen the country’s media development and peacebuilding efforts.

“The GPU has always believed in ethical, responsible journalism that contributes to social cohesion,” Cesay said, outlining training programs in conflict-sensitive reporting, hate speech monitoring, fact-checking, and reporting on gender-based violence.

He concluded by commending President Barrow’s office for providing a forum for constructive engagement and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to ensure a free and responsible press in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba