Modou Joof, the Secretary-General of the Gambia Press Union urges reporters to effectively make use of the Access to Information Law by referencing the relevant section, which empowers Journalists to access information from government institutions.
He added that Journalists must be specific about the information they need.
“We have to reference the Law when we are sending the letters. Everyone in the government is aware of the ATI Law. They should be able to provide you with information within 21 days”
Mr Joof was addressing Journalists at the ongoing Training of Journalists on Open Source Investigations & Use of the ATI Law underway at Ocean Bay Hotel, Cape Point.
Meanwhile, Mustapha Darboe, a journalism trainer and investigative journalist, made a presentation on investigative journalism, highlighting key tips as well as explaining examples.
” You can justify recording people for the public interest.”Mr Darboe said Journalists need to seek consent in investigative journalism, which is of public interest.
He advised trainees to avoid rushing in investigating stories and connect with other people to get information stressing that the contacts are needed in developing stories.
The capacity building seeks to enhance the knowledge and understanding of Journalists on the Access to Information Law and how to apply it in their daily news coverage.
It allows for the creation of a well-informed society on issues of government, one that allows for public participation in the political, social, and economic affairs of our country, and to make informed choices.
