Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services of The Gambia, today, paid a courtesy call to the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Centre.
The Minister was received by the Executive Director, Mrs. Hannah Forster, ACDHRS Governing Council Member, Ambassador Teneng Mba Jaiteh and senior staff. Mrs. Forster welcomed him and provided an overview of the Centre’s history, its longstanding cooperation with the Government of The Gambia, and its evolution into an autonomous, continentally respected human rights institution.
Ambassador Teneng Mba Jaiteh expressed delight at hosting the Minister. She outlined the work of the Board and ongoing efforts to enhance the Centre’s visibility within the country. Ambassador Jaiteh stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the Centre and the Government, noting that ACDHRS’s contributions deserve recognition at Cabinet level. She also highlighted the Centre’s pivotal but often quiet role in supporting the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Ms. Ellen Ann, Administrative Officer, presented a comprehensive overview of ACDHRS’s programmes and areas of intervention, including the NGO Forum, human rights training initiatives, and the Centre’s strong focus on women’s rights.
Mr. Pa Modou Cham, Information and Communications Officer, spoke briefly on the growing visibility of the Centre, noting that increased outreach and communication efforts have drawn new partners and strengthened institutional presence.
In his remarks, Minister Ceesay thanked the ACDHRS for the warm reception and commended its longstanding contribution to human rights promotion in Africa. He acknowledged the importance of enhanced government support to the Centre and expressed his commitment to forging stronger collaboration. The Minister assured the leadership that his Ministry, and the Government at large, stands ready to work closely with the Centre on issues of democracy, governance, and the protection of human rights.
