The President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), Isatou Keita, has raised concerns over what she described as an increasingly restrictive legal environment for journalists in the country, as the Union celebrated the 10th edition of its National Journalism Awards on Saturday.

Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, Ms Keita said the annual awards had become a major platform for motivating journalists to pursue impactful reporting that strengthens transparency and accountability in governance.

The event, first launched a decade ago, is now considered the most prestigious recognition for Gambian media practitioners.

This year’s ceremony was held under the theme “A Decade of Excellence: Strengthening Journalism for Democracy, Accountability and the Safety of Journalists.”

Ms Keita said the milestone reflected significant progress made in professional journalism, which she credited with shining a light on critical governance, social and economic issues over the years.

However, she cautioned that recent legislative developments threaten these gains.

In particular, she criticised the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, which reintroduced the offence of false publication and broadcasting, provisions long condemned by media rights groups.

“The law, which prescribes imprisonment and heavy fines for journalists, goes against the promotion of democracy and accountability and undermines press freedom,” she said.

She also expressed concern over sections of the Cybercrime Bill, 2023, arguing that some provisions extend beyond regulating online misinformation and could instead “directly target investigative journalism” and hinder public scrutiny of government activities.

Ms Keita noted that access to information, especially on public spending and procurement, remains a major challenge.

While the Access to Information Law was enacted in 2021, she said most government institutions had yet to designate information officers and were often unresponsive to requests.

Despite these concerns, the GPU President announced what she described as a “positive development” for the media sector: the allocation of a 25-by-25 metre plot of land to the Union by the government in Brusubi.

She said the land will be used to build a National Press Bantaba, which will house the GPU Secretariat, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), GPU affiliates, and the Media Council of The Gambia.

The project, she explained, is expected to enhance the long-term sustainability of the Union by reducing rental costs and expanding training facilities for journalists. Plans for the building include offices, classrooms, conference rooms, radio and television studios, and guest accommodation.

“We look forward to continued support from the government and development partners to achieve this long-term vision,” she said.

The ceremony brought together senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, media chiefs, veteran journalists and dozens of award finalists.

Ms Keita praised the Awards Committee, the GPU Board, and the Secretariat for their contributions to the event, adding that the Union remains committed to advancing press freedom and strengthening democratic governance.

“Let us continue to work together to uphold the principles of press freedom, freedom of expression and democracy in The Gambia,” she said.

By Adama Makasuba