GAMBIA'S PRESIDENT PRAISES PRESS AT HISTORIC DINNER.
President Adama Barrow of Gambia called the media his government's strongest partner at a first-ever dinner with journalists at the State House.
The Saturday event brought together media leaders and reporters. Barrow spoke about the need for unity among all citizens. He said everyone must work together, whether they are reporters, public workers, or even the president.
Since 2017, Barrow's government has made big changes to support press freedom. They have changed laws to give reporters more access to information and reduced government control over news groups.
The president's wife, Lady Sarjo Mballow-Barrow, joined him at the dinner. Barrow talked about how the free press helps fight government wrongdoing. He wants reporters to share different views from citizens, which helps the government do better work.
He praised The Gambia's higher press freedom ranking since he took office. This marks a big change from past times. But some old strict laws still worry people.
Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay praised Barrow as a champion of press freedom. He said reporters help teach and inform people, which allows citizens to make better choices about their leaders.
Pap Saine, who runs The Point newspaper, thanked the president for meeting with reporters. He asked for money to help newsgroups handle their daily problems.
Barrow promised to keep helping the press. He plans to make the dinner a yearly event. He sees it as a way to keep strong ties between his government and newsgroups.
"We must build our nation together," Barrow said. He believes the press can help make The Gambia better. He wants everyone to work as one group to meet the country's needs.
President Adama Barrow of Gambia called the media his government's strongest partner at a first-ever dinner with journalists at the State House.
The Saturday event brought together media leaders and reporters. Barrow spoke about the need for unity among all citizens. He said everyone must work together, whether they are reporters, public workers, or even the president.
Since 2017, Barrow's government has made big changes to support press freedom. They have changed laws to give reporters more access to information and reduced government control over news groups.
The president's wife, Lady Sarjo Mballow-Barrow, joined him at the dinner. Barrow talked about how the free press helps fight government wrongdoing. He wants reporters to share different views from citizens, which helps the government do better work.
He praised The Gambia's higher press freedom ranking since he took office. This marks a big change from past times. But some old strict laws still worry people.
Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay praised Barrow as a champion of press freedom. He said reporters help teach and inform people, which allows citizens to make better choices about their leaders.
Pap Saine, who runs The Point newspaper, thanked the president for meeting with reporters. He asked for money to help newsgroups handle their daily problems.
Barrow promised to keep helping the press. He plans to make the dinner a yearly event. He sees it as a way to keep strong ties between his government and newsgroups.
"We must build our nation together," Barrow said. He believes the press can help make The Gambia better. He wants everyone to work as one group to meet the country's needs.
