The Centre for Good Governance (CGG), in partnership with United Nations agencies, has trained more than 30 members of the National Youth Parliament on access to information, transparency and public accountability.
The two-day training was held under the project “Strengthening Citizen Trust and Public Accountability for Peaceful Coexistence in The Gambia”. It was implemented by CGG in partnership with UNDP The Gambia, UNFPA The Gambia and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with support from the United Nations Development Fund.
Speaking at the opening, CGG Executive Director Alassan Sowe said access to information was essential for citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic governance.
“Access to information is not just merely a legal concept. It is a fundamental democratic right,” Sowe said.
He said citizens who could access reliable information were better placed to make informed decisions, challenge misinformation and hold public institutions accountable.
Sowe described the Access to Information Act, 2021, as an important milestone but said the law would only make a difference when citizens understood and exercised their rights.
UNDP Resident Representative Mandisa Mashologu said young people had a vital role in representing the aspirations of Gambian youth and promoting accountable governance.
She noted that more than four in every 10 Gambians were aged between 15 and 35, stressing the importance of involving young people in national development.
Mashologu also urged the youth parliamentarians to pay attention to budget oversight and the allocation of public resources as the country prepares for elections.
National Youth Parliament Speaker Jabou Sissawo said access to reliable information was necessary for young people to participate in decisions affecting their communities.
“Without reliable information, meaningful participation is difficult,” Sissawo said.
She urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the training with their constituencies, schools and youth networks.
TANGO chairperson Yadico Njie encouraged the youth parliamentarians to promote transparency, accountability and responsible citizenship, particularly during the electoral period. She also highlighted the role of information in helping civil society organisations monitor public institutions and conduct evidence-based advocacy.
Representing the chairperson of the Information Commission, Emilly Touray said access to information was closely linked to personal data protection and privacy.
Touray said the Commission would also work to promote the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Act, adding that access to information was essential to human rights, democracy and good governance.
