By: Momodou Jallow,
Banjul –The Gambia
The government will remove the controversial journalist registration requirement from the draft media regulations following concerns from stakeholders, The Gambia Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has said.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Ceesay confirmed that talks with the Gambia Press Union are ongoing and “some parts may change” before the regulations are finalized.
“The journalist registration clause will be dropped. We have listened to the concerns,” Ceesay said.
The draft regulations, published for consultation last month, drew criticism from the GPU and media rights groups, who argued that mandatory registration of journalists threatens press freedom and contradicts international standards.
Ceesay, however, noted that provisions on child protection and inclusion will remain in the draft. “Government is committed to protecting children online and ensuring inclusive media, but we will continue reforms through dialogue,” he added.
GPU President Muhammed S. Bah earlier called the registration clause “a step backwards” and urged the government to adopt self-regulation instead.
The Ministry of Information began reviewing media laws in 2024 as part of wider reforms promised under the post-TRRC agenda. No timeline was given for when the revised draft will be presented to Cabinet.
