By Fatou Dahaba
On Friday, January 24th, the Ministry of Information officially launched a campaign in partnership with various organizations to combat misinformation and disinformation. The initiative aims to equip the public with the necessary tips and tools to identify false information. The launch took place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of false information, promote responsible media consumption, equip the public with the necessary tools to identify misinformation and disinformation and foster peaceful dialogue.
The campaign is expected to commence from January 31st to February 6th, 2025, through a nationwide tour to all the regions and a two-day capacity training for media practitioners.
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, disclosed that the launched campaign against disinformation and misinformation came to the fore as a result of the emergence of new actors and changes in the methods and tactics used to proliferate confusion and promote false narratives online.
He mentioned that Social media and other digital platforms have provided fertile ground for spreading such content, enabling malicious actors to reach large audiences and sow confusion and discord.
Additionally, he cited that the emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, has added a new layer of complexity to combating the spread of false information. ‘These technologies can be used to create highly realistic but entirely fabricated content, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and organizations to distinguish between truth and falsehood.’
As part of efforts to reduce the spread of fake news, Dr. Ceesay states that unprecedented collaboration from the Government with non-state actors led to the enactment of the Access to Information Act in July 2021.
‘The Act is meant to break barriers in information and ensure that no citizen is prevented from accessing information held by government agencies and other entities that hold public information.’
Neneh Macdouall Gaye, Chairperson of the Access to Information Commission, underscored that the campaign cannot come at a better time, noting that access to accurate information is the first step in defeating misinformation. “When truth is freely available, falsehoods lose their power.”
Highlighting the importance of providing timely, accurate information, she said, ‘Now that we have arrived at the crucial stage of the implementation of the ATI Law, political will is more needed today than ever before. Transitioning from a culture of secrecy and silence that existed since the colonial era takes a lot of effort and strong will.’
She called on all government institutions and other public bodies to take their time going through the ATI Act, as this will give the information managers a map to navigate the processes of implementing the Law.
The Information Commission’s chairperson reiterated that ATI is a strong tool for combating misinformation and disinformation and strengthening the bonds of trust that hold communities together.
“As we embark on this campaign, let us remember that the battle against misinformation and disinformation is not only about combating falsehoods- it is about fostering a society where access to accurate, reliable information is available to everyone.”
Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of Gambia Press Union, said the union recognizes the need to tackle the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation, which has informed several initiatives since 2021 in capacity building for journalists.
Sainabou Sarr, Wave Gambia’s general manager, said the company is proud to be one of the initiative’s implementing partners.
Ms Sarr cited the campaign as a tremendous opportunity to improve the dissemination of fact-based information and knowledge. This initiative offers companies like theirs, committed to advancing financial inclusion, a chance to contribute meaningfully.
‘Digital financial services, such as those we provide, are not immune to risks of misunderstanding, which can quickly evolve into misinformation.’ She said this is partly due to their innovative and highly technological nature.
The campaign aims to sensitize the public to the nature and impact of misinformation and disinformation, equip citizens with tools to identify and resist false information, and promote responsible media consumption and critical thinking.
