Forty communication officers from government institutions have begun a six-day intensive training to improve public communication, media relations and information sharing.
The training, organised by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary, with support from the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, runs from 26 to 31 October at Kombo Beach Hotel.
Participants will be trained in press release writing, crisis communication, digital media engagement, video production, public speaking and strategies for tackling misinformation. The programme also covers gender-responsive communication, human rights, legal aid and communication on gender-based violence.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ameth Tijan Jobe said effective communication is central to public service, particularly in helping citizens understand their rights, access information and know where to seek help.
He stressed that government institutions must provide clear, accurate, timely and inclusive information to strengthen accountability and improve public understanding of available services.
UNDP Resident Representative Mandisa Mashologu said the initiative supports efforts to strengthen governance, the rule of law and public confidence in state institutions.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior and the Judiciary, while the European Union and UNDP are improving access to justice and ensuring citizens receive reliable information.
She called for gender-responsive communication, particularly in ensuring survivors of gender-based violence understand their rights and can access support services.
She charged communication officers to recognise their role as the bridge between institutions and citizens, noting that effective communication improves access to legal aid and helps vulnerable groups obtain critical information.
The European Union representative said citizens should not depend on rumours or fragmented information to understand issues affecting their rights and the country.
The EU noted that implementing government’s communication strategy requires adequate resources, clear responsibilities, staff training, effective coordination and regular monitoring.
The EU urged participants to use the training to make government communication more accessible, transparent, responsive and inclusive, describing effective public information as fundamental to democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights.
Representatives of the Ministry of Interior and the Judiciary also underscored that effective communication builds public trust, improves institutional transparency and ensures citizens understand services available to them.
