The Access to Information Commission is currently reviewing complaints regarding six institutions that purportedly did not fulfil information requests as mandated by the Access to Information Law.
The National Assembly enacted the ATI Bill in July 2021, which received presidential assent from President Barrow, marking the inaugural legal recognition of access to information as a right in The Gambia.
During a media update regarding its oversight responsibilities, Chairperson Neneh MacDouall-Gaye announced that the commission is currently assessing a request from the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice. This request pertains to a complaint about the lack of compliance from several public institutions in response to information requests made by the Centre.
The complaint was filed against the Gambia Ports Authority, Gambia Tourism Board, and four additional institutions.
We are examining these cases and assessing them to determine potential resolutions. The institutions involved have been contacted, and we anticipate a response that will facilitate a visit to determine the most effective resolution for the requested information.
She emphasised the commission’s preparedness to engage in actions that effectively advance the goals of the ATI Act. She stated that the commission had communicated with all government and public institutions, emphasising the necessity of submitting implementation plans regarding their strategies for proactively disclosing public information.
She noted that Gambian officialdom has largely functioned within a culture of silence since the colonial era.
“While it will not be easy, we will collaborate to ensure its success,” she stated.
