Fatoumatta: This article below was initially published on April 27, 2022, recommending the dissolution of the Ministry of Information. In a democracy, the notion of a Ministry of Information indeed provokes critical questions regarding transparency, freedom of the press, and governmental communication roles. The presence of such a ministry can be ambivalent. It may act as a conduit for disseminating vital information; however, it also has the potential to devolve into a propaganda tool that could propagate official narratives, suppress opposition, and exert control over the media. This could ultimately erode transparency and democratic principles. I also suggest that President Barrow should contemplate appointing a cabinet that is competent, meritorious, and loyal, in addition to an ICT Czar. It would also be wise to consider consolidating and integrating various departments and ministries, especially those related to Information, Communication, and Infrastructure.
April 27, 2022
Alert Long Post:
President Barrow Consider Appoint Competently, Meritious & Loyal Cabinet & Appoint an ICT Czar. In addition, consider Slash and Merging other Departments and Ministries, mainly the Information, Communication, and Infrastructure and Others.
I have previously posed a critical question regarding life and governance: “Does the Government of The Gambia and President Adama Barrow’s administration currently require a Minister responsible for the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure, the Department of Information Services, and the roles of Government Spokesperson as well as Director of Press and Public Relations (a case of function overloading/duplication)?
Additionally, I have questioned whether President Adama Barrow also needs to appoint a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, a Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, a Special Adviser on Digital and New Media, and a Special Assistant on Social Media.
A pivotal issue that requires attention is the role of the Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure alongside the Department of Information Services. In a democratic society, one must question the necessity of a ministry that functions primarily as a state-sponsored propaganda apparatus. The Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure, reminiscent of an authoritarian legacy left by former President Yahya Jammeh from the corrupt PPP administration, ought to have been dissolved along with the superfluous Department of Information Services. Following World War II, Western European nations under occupation swiftly abolished Ministries of Propaganda established by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Party’s chief propagandist. Similarly, Britain dismantled its Ministry of Information, created for wartime efforts, within weeks after the war concluded. The Netherlands explicitly prohibits any establishment that could be misinterpreted as a Ministry of Information, with their Constitutional Courts deeming any such entity as exceeding legal authority (ultra vires). Yet, we still see an active Information Department and Ministry.
As someone who teaches and researches new media professionally, I am well aware that “social media” is merely one aspect—albeit the most prominent one in recent times—of “new media,” which is interchangeable with “digital” or “emerging” media. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether President Barrow’s next appointment might be a “Special Personal Assistant on Emerging Media and Barrow Youth Media Empowerment.
The presence of two individuals ‘advising’ and ‘especially assisting’ President Barrow on media and publicity, along with three others ‘specially’ and ‘personally’ aiding him on the same matter—new/digital/social media—is excessive. Consequently, I suggested that President Barrow should consider appointing an Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Czar in lieu of a Ministry of Propaganda masquerading as an information source. An ICT Czar would oversee government technology policies related to cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, and Internet policies. This role would entail securing government networks and ensuring that government agencies remain at the forefront of communication technology, thus propelling the government into the 21st century.
President Adama Barrow should consider consolidating departments and ministries that have overlapping functions to realize the benefits of efficient and integrated operational models. For instance, merging the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs could be beneficial. Similarly, combining the Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, as well as merging the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries with the Ministry of Agriculture, could lead to improved efficiency. If we aim to make significant progress in constructing the Gambia that we all desire, it is crucial to appoint individuals who are dedicated, competent, and possess integrity into positions of responsibility.
China has made remarkable strides in science and technology. However, it must determine the role that innovation in science, information, and technology will play to surge ahead. Without this commitment, progress may be hindered. There are inherent limitations to the extent of Silicon Valley-style innovation and German precision engineering that can be realized within an authoritarian regime. This pivotal issue now faces China as it enters a decisive decade that will significantly influence its future.
What implications does this hold for the Gambia? Regrettably, the Gambia is not even competing. Hindered by an anti-productive “1997 Constitution” – emblematic of a rentier state – and deeply troubling “State Capture” (where the superstructure is subordinated to group and individual interests rather than the collective good), the Gambia is constrained by “diseconomies of scale.” The irony is stark; during the constitutional conferences of the 1950s and 1960s, which laid the groundwork for an independent sovereign Gambia, the primary allure was that a large amalgamation of population and landmass would generate “economies of scale,” fostering synergy for dramatic transformation and enabling Gambia to eventually become ‘the African Pride.’
However, a series of events beginning with the repeal of the 1970 republican constitution in 1994 – including the squandering of civil and political liberties, abandonment of development plans, dismantling of public services, among others – have transformed what were perceived benefits of economies of scale into an illusion.
The Department and Ministry of Information, Communication, and Infrastructure are distinct entities from the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) and the Gambia Telecommunication Company Limited (GAMTEL). It seems that the Gambia government fails to understand this distinction, which is particularly frustrating given the outdated mindset it reflects. We are no longer in 1979 or the pre-information revolution era when our engagement with media was limited to being passive consumers of newspapers, magazines, and radio programs. In those times, we would read and listen, then form our opinions on what to believe or dismiss without further involvement beyond those decisions. We maintained a detachment from the content we consumed.
During the PPP-era, Information Ministers within the Department of Information Services actively disseminated policies and ideas through more systematic information management. One might wonder why participatory propaganda, information management strategies, and propaganda business techniques have become more straightforward. It could be because they were once under the influence of the PPP and Yahya Jammeh’s APRC propaganda machine, elements that were never fully disentangled from it.
Today, most Gambians engage in citizen journalism and actively participate in social media narratives. We all witness the issues as they unfold; we write, tag, comment, and share. In this era, the difference lies in our cognitive and emotional investment in the narratives that the government is striving to control. These narratives are part of our lived experiences, and not just the government or its agents can shape them alone. The flow of information in the age of mobile telephony signifies a fundamental shift in how humans interact with information, knowledge, power, and authority. In the social media age, people engage in information processing and knowledge formation in unprecedented ways; posting, commenting, liking, sharing, and searching. This pivotal shift positions people as active participants in their consumption of information, which is a lesson for the government to learn. It is here to stay; the power to mold narratives has been democratized.
The government requires an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Authority or Agency led by an ICT Czar with a comprehensive vision for revitalizing E-Government Governance for the Knowledge Age. This leader will ensure all government services are available to the citizens of The Gambia through electronic .media.
To expand and diversify the valuable and practical knowledge and application of E-Governance, it is necessary to establish an agency and appoint an ICT Czar. This will ensure the establishment of a transparent and responsive governance system. By creating a responsible ICT agency staffed with competent and skilled personnel, we can develop social equity and guarantee the cost-effective delivery of services through public-private partnerships. Moreover, such an agency could provide enhanced educational opportunities, fostering a vibrant, technology-enabled youth demographic. This demographic is essential for sparking the creative effervescence needed for significant breakthroughs in science and technology, leading to socio-economic and political advancements. While there are no financial consequences to stalling youth employment and job creation opportunities, this sector has shown immense potential to attract investment in information and communication science and technology. A dynamic technology-driven sector has the capacity to create high-quality, well-paying jobs, dismantle current stagnation, and pose a threat to comfortable arrangements, propelling us into economic prominence.
Propaganda that hinders the flow of information, communication, science, and technology represents a futile endeavor. Amidst this struggle, the opportunity cost is significant. A nation desperate for employment faces escalating losses in investments. The toll of outdated public policy influencers is staggering. It is imperative for civil society and crucial sectors like organized businesses to voice their concerns out of self-interest at this juncture. The informal sector’s reliance on new technologies presents a tangible existential threat; for many such as plumbers, various artisans, and traders, participation in WhatsApp groups, Twitter, and the like has become essential.
Regarding President Adama Barrow’s administration, he must consolidate his numerous departments and ministries using his constitutional authority. As such, I am unable to assess his performance definitively. Nonetheless, I have submitted memoranda and proposals advocating for the dissolution of the Department and Ministry of Information. The NPP/APRC-led coalition promised reform during their campaign. The public service plays a crucial role in formulating and executing an extensive change agenda. To be successful, it must restructure itself, overhaul its processes, establish performance benchmarks along with suitable monitoring and evaluation tools, and tailor its service delivery to align with the citizens’ needs and priorities.
President Adama Barrow and his cabinet should aim to reduce the number of departments and ministries by merging them, thereby addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities to enhance public sector efficiency during the state’s reconfiguration. This consolidation is seen as a pivotal aspect of President Barrow’s efforts to address the legacy issues associated with possessing augmented powers post-merger. Such a reduction in government size is a critical step towards minimizing the government’s scale. Many are of the opinion that a streamlined government structure is necessary.
To enhance its reputation for embracing change, the NPP must prioritize the public service as a demonstration of its genuine commitment to reform. President Barrow must act swiftly and assertively to take charge of the current situation. As previously suggested, starting with the appointment of Cabinet Ministers who are competent, merit-based, and loyal is an excellent first step. As the NPP Administration gears up for the second phase of its inaugural year, contending with time and adversaries, it is imperative that President Barrow’s supporters urge him to take prompt action.
