By Nyima Sillah
On Saturday, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) celebrated the most outstanding journalists of 2024 under the theme “Uploading Press Freedom: Legal Challenges and the Need to Safeguard Our Democracy.” The awards ceremony, which was attended by the Minister of Information, diplomats, media leaders, National Assembly members, and veteran journalists, honored excellence across twelve categories, excluding the Journalist of the Year award. Two special awards were also presented: The Press Freedom Hero’s Award and the Committed Members of the GPU Award.
Muhammed S Bah, President of the Gambia Press Union, highlighted that this year’s theme resonates deeply with the current realities of the nation, emphasizing that press freedom is not a luxury but an essential component of a thriving democracy.
“Tonight, we reflect on our progress, address challenges, and look ahead together. While we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge the growing threats we face. Alarming remarks from senior political figures, including the President, against the media and civil rights advocates threaten the very foundation of our democracy. The recent arrests and detentions of journalists and activists by state security agents serve as stark reminders of the vulnerability of our hard-earned freedoms,” Bah said.
He further addressed the government, stating, “A free press is not your enemy. It is your partner in building a just and democratic society. Journalists must be allowed to work without fear, whether from the courts, the executive, or any other institution.”
Bah urged journalists to adhere to the Cherno Jallow Code of Ethics, emphasizing the importance of serving the public with integrity and ensuring that reporting remains accurate, balanced, and fearless. He reiterated that journalists and the government are not adversaries but partners in fostering national development.
Chief Judge of the Awards, Famara Fofana, praised the significant contributions of female reporters, noting their prominent role in this year’s awards. He encouraged journalists to prioritize quality over quantity in their submissions, stressing that the impact of a story is more important than the number of stories submitted.
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, underscored the importance of press freedom, acknowledging the crucial role journalists play in promoting transparency and holding those in power accountable. “Journalists are the voice of the people, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard, injustices are exposed, and public interests are kept at the forefront of national discourse,” he remarked.
Isatou Keita, Chair of the Awards Committee, highlighted the challenges of organizing the event but expressed deep gratitude to the partners who made it possible. She also thanked the awards committee for their unwavering support. “As we celebrate the achievements of our colleagues across 17 award categories, including the newly introduced category for tax reporting, we must remember that we are not just winners; we represent the spirit of journalism, the pursuit of truth, accountability, and a better society,” she concluded.
Modou Joof, Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) delivered a comprehensive speech on the award and some achievements made so far since the commencement of the annual award.
The award winners of 2024 include:
• Health Reporting Award: Nyima Sillah, The VoiceNewspaper
• Tourism, Art, and Culture Award: Mam Nabou Kah, The Point Newspaper
• Agriculture Award: Maimuna Bah, Turkish Radio Television
• Environment Award: Maimuna Bah, Turkish Radio Television
• Investigative Reporting Award: Mareeyam Sankanu, Malagen
• Legal Affairs Award: Mareeyam Sankanu, Malagen
• Human Rights Award: Mareeyam Sankanu, Malagen
• Security Reporting Award: Molamin Choice, QTV
• Business and Financial Reporting Award: YankubaJallow, Foroya Newspaper
• Women Reporting Award: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh, The Fatou Network
• Sports Reporting Award: Alieu Ceesay, The Alkambatimes
• Migration and Trafficking Reporting Award:Momodou S. Jallow, GRTS
The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the critical role that journalism plays in safeguarding democracy, with journalists and the media community recognized for their contributions to promoting transparency and accountability in The Gambia.
