President Adama Barrow on Thursday, 8th December 2022 presided over the swearing-in of 3 judges of the Gambia’s Court of Appeal and the High Court. The judges are; Honourable Justice Veronic Wright and Honourable Justice Sainabou Wadda Ceesay of the Court of Appeal and Honourable Justice Isatou Jallow Sey as Justice of the High Court.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the State House in Banjul, President Barrow said the Judiciary, under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, has recorded significant achievements with regard to the administration of justice in the country and enhancing access to justice for all Gambian citizens and residents of the country.
“From a broader point of view, the Government will continue to support the Judicial Sector for the realisation of the objectives expressed in their Strategic Plan, 2021-2025. My government is currently working on a Bill to improve the conditions of service for the Judiciary and make the Sector a model within the region,“ he assured.
President Barrow added that the Judiciary undoubtedly plays a very important role as a strong pillar of the State in promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, enforcing the penal code, and resolving disputes.
Linked to our situation, he went on, a well-functioning independent and transparent Judiciary is indispensable for our growing democracy.
“As custodians of the Law, or Justices of the Superior Courts, earning public trust and timely dispensation of justice are of paramount importance and should always be uppermost on your minds as you perform your functions. As we welcome Justices Wright and Jallow Sey for the first time on the bench and the elevation of Justice Wadda Ceesay from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, we can comfortably expect better results from the Sector. That all three of them are Gambian ladies, compels me to express satisfaction and pride for the huge strides taken to make the Judiciary truly Gambian without compromising on efficiency and ethical considerations.
Within a very short period, we have successfully staffed all three tiers of our superior Courts; that is, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, with competent and qualified Gambians under the able leadership of a Gambian Chief Justice,“ said the president.
He urged the Judiciary to work together with the Legislature for a better and prosperous Gambia.
Editor’s note: President Barrow’s statement was obtained from Mamos Media.
