Africa-Press – Gambia. A Gambian lawyer and political activist, Assan Martin has raised eyebrows over government’s proposed National Press Accreditation Policy, warning that the measures could undermine press freedom and democratic accountability.
The Gambian government has plans to come up with the National Press Accreditation Policy and new broadcasting regulations which will give new powers to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to register and regulate journalists and other media workers in the country.
In an interview with The Voice, Martin described the proposed policy as an attempt to regulate the media space, stressing that reforms affecting journalists should be subjected to broad consultation within the media sector.
He says the proposals, if adopted in their current form, could conflict with the role of the media in holding authorities accountable and informing the public.
Martin notes that freedom of expression and access to information are rights guaranteed under Gambian law, cautioning that any policy perceived to restrict these freedoms could have wider implications for governance.
He further warned that accreditation requirements and possible licensing conditions could discourage entry into the journalism profession, particularly among young practitioners and content creators.
According to him, such measures could limit the free flow of information and weaken investigative journalism.
Martin also argued that media reform initiatives should be led by institutions within the sector, citing the Gambia Press Union and the Media Council as appropriate bodies to guide such processes.
He added that increased state control over the media could negatively affect the country’s international standing in press freedom and democratic governance.
Martin called on journalists, civil society organisations and the public to remain engaged in discussions on the proposed policy, noting that it remained subject to review.
The proposed regulations have sparked debate among media practitioners and civil society groups, with calls for wider consultation before any final decision is taken.
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