By: Lamin B. Darboe
Communication Officer, MoPS
The Director of Press and Public Relations (DPPR), Office of the President, informed media fraternity in the country that State House under President Adama Barrow is fully aware and quite mindful of the transformation of the media landscape globally.
Amie Bojang Sissoho whose office organized the first-ever Presidential Media Dinner was speaking on Saturday night during the event, December 28, 2024 held at state House grounds in Banjul.
“We are here to celebrate progress, success, and collaboration. We are also here to pay tribute to the media fraternity and, above all, to acknowledge the Presidency’s contribution to media freedom in the country,” DPPR Bojang informed media.
According to DPPR Bojang, the Presidential media outfit took its new direction in 2017, with their efforts geared towards improving the relationship between the State House and the media and in doing so, her office endeavoured to open up to the media as much as they can accommodate them (media).
“I once said to His Excellency: “Sir, you are both lucky and unfortunate. Your leadership came at a time when Gambians were yearning for democracy, which comes with freedom of expression and association.” The paradox is that, freedom of expression can expose the soft spots of governments and may lead to unpleasant and, sometimes, unfair criticism,” Bojang asserted.
DPPR therefore confidentially stated that both President Barrow’s government and the media have been cautiously navigating the safe line of freedom and respect for the rights of citizens to ensure a safe and secure environment on the Smiling Coast.
She explained that the event was organized in order to bring the two sides together which according to DPPR Bojang, was the first of its kind in the President’s calendar of events and the first in the history of The Gambia.
Bojang hinted that some of the well-known veteran journalists are now on retirement, at the end of the spectrum, while beginners learning to become professional media personnel which she said is the dynamism that underlies professionalism and life in general.
DPPR boss revealed that Media and Communications Unit (MCU) under the Office of the President, since 2017, has grown from a Press Office to a fully-fledged media outfit, adding that the unit now stands out as part of the Presidency’s recognition of the importance of the media in nation building.
She therefore expressed her sincere gratitude to herstrong, committed, and versatile colleagues under her office who always respond willingly and positively when duty calls.
With the trust and confidence President Barrow accorded them (MCU), DPPR continues, they are able to innovate and perform their work without hindrance and she commended President Barrowsincerely for his trust and support to the unit.
She informed that media freedom is not only enjoyed out there in the public space, but also right under the presidency, stating that all staff under MCU acknowledge the President`s support to the unit.
“The journey of Media and Communication Unit (MCU) under OP started with no documentation of the organisational norm at the Presidency, but with determination and dedication of her staff, theydecided to develop a guide to standardize their operations as a unit,” said DPPR.
The former senior Communication Officer and former Social Media officer both at the Office of the President, Nfally Fadera and Zainabou Faal sent goodwill messages through video link to the gathering as a way of their unflinching support to the event.
The event witnessed the launching of the Media and Communication Unit Handbook by the Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, Mod K. Ceesay, and as light entertainment was going on, President Barrow left the high table to meet the guests in their seated tables with hand shake.
