By: The Fatu Network News Desk
President Adama Barrow tonight urged Gambian media practitioners to exercise professionalism and restraint in public discourse, as he addressed journalists and media executives at the Annual Presidential Media Dinner held at the State House in Banjul.
Opening his address, the President described the gathering as a moment of reflection on the relationship between government and the media, and their collective role in national development. “Tonight, we are gathered here to express gratitude for another successful year of engagements with the media and their collective contribution to nation building,” he said.
President Barrow described the press as indispensable to democratic governance and said the annual dinner, introduced last year, has become an important forum for engagement. “No one doubts the critical and central role of the media in discharging and managing these functions in a democracy, such as ours,” he told guests, whom he welcomed as his personal invitees to the State House.
He contrasted global media coverage, often dominated by war and instability, with The Gambia’s political discourse, which he said reflects democratic maturity and internal stability. “Compared to the world stage, this manifests the vibrancy of our democracy and the peace and security we enjoy,” the President said.
President Barrow said the media plays a decisive role in shaping public perception of the country’s stability and development record. “Projecting The Gambia’s stability and peaceful environment and informing the public of developments and successes across the country are generally moderated through the media,” he stated.
While acknowledging that differences between government and the press are inevitable, he urged moderation in how criticism is expressed, warning that hostile narratives could have broader consequences. “We may have divergent views, but the way we moderate our differences can enhance our diplomatic and networking efforts, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth,” he said, calling on media owners, editors and broadcasters to adopt a more constructive tone.
In a pointed remark, President Barrow cautioned against actions he described as self defeating. “Do not cut your nose to spite your face, or do not try to shoot the government in the foot. If you do, it may bounce back,” he warned.
The President also reflected on changes in the media landscape since 2017, when The Gambia was ranked 122 out of 180 countries under a restrictive environment. He referred to continued progress in international assessments, saying, “This year, the Reporters Without Borders ranked The Gambia 58 out of 180 for Press Freedom in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Let us not lose sight of these achievements or take them for granted. They are precious.”
He cited reforms within the sector, including the Access to Information Act, the Media Commission and the Cyber Security Act, which he said are intended to promote professionalism while safeguarding democratic norms. “The public’s right to information comes with the responsibility to protect the dignity of the people involved in the process of news gathering,” President Barrow added.
In a notable announcement, he disclosed that government has allocated land for a permanent headquarters for the Gambia Press Union. “To strengthen the media and boost their morale, improve performance, and sustain strong institutions, my government has allocated land for a permanent Gambia Press Union headquarters. You surely deserve one,” he said.
As the dinner continues tonight, President Barrow called for a closer and more cordial relationship between government and the media, grounded in professionalism, mutual respect and commitment to national progress.
By: The Fatu Network News Desk President Adama Barrow tonight urged Gambian media practitioners to exercise professionalism and restraint in public discourse, as he addressed journalists and media executives at the Annual Presidential Media Dinner held at the State House in Banjul. Opening his address, the President described the gathering as a moment of reflection The Fatu Network
