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Gambia: No 'Camps,' Says New Press Union President
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Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina)
24 March 2008
Posted to the web 24 March 2008
Fatou Jaw Manneh
Banjul
"Their will be no camps within the GPU, under my watch", Says Ndey Tapha Sosseh, new Gambia Press Union President.
Former Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union, Ndey Tapha Sosseh has been elected to lead the Gambia Press Union as its President at its 5th triennial congress, on Saturday 22nd march, 2008.In what looks like a closely contested election, tempers flew and emotions rise as GPU members decide who becomes their next president. According to some journalists, this election is very important as not only are they ready to put committed staff that will look after their affairs, but to make sure GPU does not fall into wrong hands. "We don't want to end up like Gamsu" said one highly excited journalist Gibril Janneh.
Ndey Tapha was nominated with Ebrima Sawanneh of the point newspaper for the presidency.Mr. Sawanneh, a highly energetic contestant, during his 5 minutes campaign speech, urged his colleagues to vote massively for him as he believes he is all the change that the GPU needs and deserve.
Mr. Sawanneh came up with a tall order of an agenda if he is elected GPU President.
"My priorities will be to provide continuous training and capacity building sessions for journalists. I will engage the government and donor agencies to provide a faculty of journalism at the University of the Gambia.
I will encourage dialogue between the government and the GPU vis-à-vis the private media. I believe the relationship between the private media is not healthy but with dialogue we can succeed".
Mr Sawanneh further stated that if elected, his executive will address a better pay and remuneration system for Gambian Journalists. He said he will also attempt to provide better housing schemes for its members. That comment brought in roars of laughter as his colleagues thought that was too ambitious. He said he will engage media Chiefs to revise the salary status of journalists and finally, he will encourage a transparent management system of the GPU funds.
Mr Sawanneh was given a round of applause for his ambitious agenda. His
Speech though, failed to convince journalists against another longtime ally Ndey Tapha Sosseh.
In her campaign speech, Sosseh drew on her 10 years experience with the media. She was a reporter, editor and manager director of the Daily Observer Newspaper.
Mrs. Tapha Sosseh in a highly emotional acceptance speech thanked her colleagues for their patience for the electoral process which clearly demonstrates a commitment and confidence that they have bestowed in her. "As president, their will be no camps within the GPU despite slants, orientations or editorial policies of the different media houses" She said she will continue the efforts and will do whatever it takes to bridge the Gap between the government and the GPU. She stressed that she is very humbled by the gesture and her priority will be to create unity among journalists and media houses.
She was swarmed by her colleagues and well wishers after the votes were announced. She secured 66 votes whilst Mr. Ebrima Sawannwh her contestant, got 35 votes.
Editors note: Thanks Fatou for the good job. We at the Freedom Newspaper appreciates your tireless efforts in keeping our readers posted about the GPU elections.
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Despite being held under captivity by the murderous Jammeh Government, Fatou refuses to be cowed by these criminals. Never give up journalism. History is on your side. Keep the pen rolling. Well done Fatou. Forward with Freedom, backwards never!!!
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