In a bid to strengthen cooperation between the police and journalists, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) paid a courtesy call to the Gambia Police Force (GPF) at the police headquarters on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Administration, Mr. Ebrima Bah, who welcomed the visitors and chaired the meeting, commended the initiative, underscoring the importance of fostering stronger relationships.
He hoped for a constructive working relationship between the media and the police.
In her remarks, the President of the GPU, Ms. Isatou Keita, implored for continuous partnership, noting that both security and media institutions serve the public in complementary ways; security through protection, and media through information sharing.
She recounted the successful collaboration during the 2021 presidential elections, where over one hundred police officers and journalists were jointly trained on the safety of media professionals during crises and protests.
The media leader attributed Gambia’s improved standing in the global press freedom ranking to the initiative.
On his part, GPU Secretary General, Mr. Modou Joof, stressed that all registered members of the Union are guided by a Code of Conduct that outlines the ethical standards of journalism.
“In recent times, some individuals have posed as activists while identifying themselves as journalists, which undermines professionalism,” Joof noted.
Mr. Joof asserted that the Union has validated a revised Code of Conduct that strongly emphasizes impartiality, neutrality, and balanced reporting.
He called for more collaborative initiatives, such as regular Media-Police dialogues, to build mutual trust and enhance professional standards.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Demba Sowe, expressed appreciation for the timely initiative.
He noted that both institutions are key service providers working towards national development.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to advancing professional cooperation for the greater good of the Gambian people.
