Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Press Union (GPU) marked a decade of recognizing journalistic excellence with the 10th Edition of the National Journalism Awards, under the theme, “A Decade of Excellence: Strengthening Journalism for Democracy, Accountability and the Safety of Journalists.”
Addressing the event, GPU President Isatou Keita reflected on the significance of the milestone, noting that it has been ten years since the first National Journalism Awards were organized under the current framework to honor outstanding works in Gambian journalism.
“We thank those who blazed this trail and had the foresight to promote excellence in journalism,” Keita said. “The awards have become a key motivator for journalists to pursue stories that enhance transparency, accountability, and justice in governance.”
The 2025 awards highlighted the role of journalism in promoting democracy and political accountability, while underscoring the need to ensure the safety of journalists in The Gambia. Keita emphasized that professional journalism has consistently contributed to civic engagement, transparency, and accountability across society.
Over the years, award-winning stories have spanned multiple journalism beats, addressing critical issues such as rule of law, transitional justice, and socio-economic challenges, executed with the highest levels of professionalism to reinforce journalism’s watchdog role.
“Tonight, we anticipate recognizing even higher standards of journalism, as the quality and impact of storytelling continue to rise year on year,” she added.
Despite progress, Keita highlighted ongoing challenges, including restrictive media laws such as the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, which imposes heavy fines and imprisonment for journalists, and the Cybercrime Bill, 2023, which she warned could impede investigative journalism and transparency.
Access to government information also remains limited. While the Access to Information Law of 2021 marked an important step forward, its full implementation remains a challenge, with many institutions yet to designate information officers or respond adequately to requests.
In a positive development, the GPU announced that the government has allocated a 25×25 plot of land in Brusubi for the construction of a National Press Bantaba. The facility is intended to house the GPU Secretariat, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), GPU affiliates, and the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG).
The five-storey building is planned to include 13 offices, two conference rooms, 12 classrooms with TV and radio studios, 20 guest rooms, and storage facilities. The project aims to ensure GPU’s long-term sustainability, expand the media academy, and eliminate the recurring challenge of relocating the secretariat over the union’s 46-year history.
Keita concluded by thanking the Awards Committee, GPU staff and board, and development partners for their support. She encouraged continued collaboration to uphold press freedom, freedom of expression, and democracy in The Gambia.
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