The Gambia Press Union in partnership with International Republican Institute and other stakeholders validate draft book for journalists on budget and public finance reporting at a local hotel in Bijilo, with the aim of enhancing the capacity of journalists on budget and public finance reporting.
Addressing participants on the importance of the workshop, president of the Gambia Press Union, Sheriff Bojang Junior highlighted the numerous efforts taken by the union to make the process achievable.
The GPU president however challenged the participants to properly scrutinize the process for they will be relying on the book in reporting on budget and public finance, noting that the GPU cannot do it alone hence the need for a collaborative support of the public and other stakeholders.
Robina Namusisi is the International Republican Institute country resident program director. She gave an overview of the process.
Madame Namusisi is optimistic that after the validation of the draft book, journalists will have a clear understanding on budget and public finance reporting in their effort to hold public officials accountable, while promising her office readiness to offer support in the area of capacity building.
Lamin Fatty, a representative from the Ministry of Finance who deputised for the minister also promised the ministry readiness and support in providing relevant financial information to the media as required by the law.
Mr Fatty who has thirteen years of experience in public finance and budget opined that the validation exercise will also enable the state to observe and create a platform for public debate.
Lamin Jahateh, senior executive member of the union and one of the few journalists who report on public budget and finance underscored the significance of the forum and the way forward after the
