By: Alieu Ceesay
Investigative journalism, a vital but often overlooked aspect of Gambian media, is now receiving the attention it deserves. Freedom House Gambia is launching a unique six-week training program, the first of its kind, designed to equip journalists and journalism students with the skills to uncover and report on issues of public interest. This initiative is set to significantly enhance the quality of journalism in The Gambia, promoting accountability and transparency in our society.
The program, funded by USAID through the Promoting Rights and Justice in The Gambia activity, aims to make investigative journalism a common practice in Gambian newsrooms. Participants are expected to apply what they learn by completing an investigative story within the six-week period, a challenge that underscores the program’s emphasis on practical application.
Alagie Nyang, the Advocacy Specialist at Freedom House, underscored the practical nature of the training, stating, “The goal of this training is not just to impart knowledge, but to ensure that participants can apply what they learn in the real world. It’s about practicing what you have learned in class by writing your own story.”
This hands-on approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring participants leave the program with tangible skills and a strong understanding of investigative reporting.
Muhammed S. Bah, the President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), emphasized the training’s timeliness and urged participants to fully utilize the knowledge they gained. “Putting the training into practice is very key,” Bah noted. I believe it is a perfect opportunity to explore and ensure that things happening within our environment are reported by us, the journalists, to the ordinary citizens who deserve undiluted information.”
Bah also pointed out the critical need for investigative journalism to expose issues such as financial mismanagement and societal injustices, which often go unreported. His remarks underscored the importance of journalists in holding those in power accountable and ensuring that the truth reaches the public.
Khadija Jawo, a journalist from Malagen, echoed these sentiments, calling on her colleagues to approach the training with dedication. “Let’s come together and change the face of The Gambia through quality journalism, which is through investigative journalism,” Jawo urged.
As the training progresses, it is expected to enhance the participants’ skills and contribute to a more informed and transparent society in The Gambia. Through investigative journalism, these journalists will play a pivotal role in uncovering the stories that matter most, ensuring that the public remains well-informed and that justice is served.
The program is a significant step forward for the Gambian media, marking the beginning of what could be a new era of journalism in the country—one that is bold, fearless, and dedicated to the truth.
